The Smiths - Morrissey Apologises To Monkeys

LATEST: Former THE SMITHS frontman MORRISSEY has apologised to rock newcomers ARCTIC MONKEYS for complaining they had become too famous too soon. The singer insisted at last week's (ends19MAR06) South By Southwest music festival in Austin, Texas, that their success was "unnatural" and "they haven't proved a thing", but now claims his damning remarks were taken out of context. And he even likens their rocketing fame to his own band's. In a statement to the NME he explains, "I'm sorry that the comments I made at South By Southwest about the Arctic Monkeys were printed so harshly. "I actually quite like the Arctic Monkeys and whatever I said was said with tender, avuncular concern. I hope to God I didn't upset their grannies. "In any case, I was wrong about their success being too sudden and without any dues paid, because that's exactly how it happened for The Smiths. So, I really should shut it." Yesterday (21MAR06) OASIS frontman NOEL GALLAGHER leaped to the defence of the indie sensations, advising the I BET YOU LOOK GOOD ON THE DANCEFLOOR hitmakers to make the most of their stardom.