AS Muse fever sweeps across Teignmouth, it has been revealed that the world famous group tried to set up a local gig a few years ago – but were turned down.

The trio have always wanted to play in their home town, and offered a show at the Carlton Theatre, but a Teignbridge Council official is reported to have refused permission.

Bassist Chris Wolstenholme told the Post: 'We were told there were problems with damage when they had rock concerts there in the 1960s, and were worried it might happen again.

'It was a shame because it would have given us a much earlier opportunity to have performed for our loyal local fans.'

Local councillor David Cox, who was not on the council at the time, said the decision not to allow that show was 'very disappointing, and rather shortsighted.

'But I think Teignbridge is much more enlightened now, and has done all it can within the democratic process to help the two September gigs to go ahead. We are all looking forward to it.'

The resort has been in the national and international spotlight since the go-ahead was given for two seafront concerts by the local lads, who have been at the top of the rock pile for a decade.

About 20,000 tickets for the shows, on September 4 and 5 on the Den, go on sale today and are expected to quickly sell out.

The day after the possibility of the gigs was exclusively revealed in the Teignmouth Post, a guest house on the seafront received a booking for the weekend – from fans in Japan.

Other accommodation in and around the area is expected to be snapped up as well.

Instead of winding down for the season, shops, cafes and pubs have been ordering fresh stocks in anticipation of a much needed end of season boost.It is a dream come true for the dedicated local fans, and the band, who have long had a burning ambition to play in their home town.

Their last performance in Teignmouth is believed to have been at the Ivy House Hotel, now demolished and turned into flats, a stone's throw from the Den.

In those early days they played in pubs, and village and church halls. Now they fill stadia around the world, often performing in front of audiences of 80,000 or more.

Teignmouth is rapidly gearing up for the historic weekend, which will bring a financial bonanza to local businesses as thousands of Muse enthusiasts descend on the town for the weekend.

Millions of pounds are expected to be injected into the local economy, and the publicity value for Teignmouth is beyond calculation.

Few supergroups have played gigs in small home towns, and the event is attracting global interest from print and broadcasting media.

Radio 1 is planning a series of special broadcasts, with live shows from the town featuring DJ Zane.

On the following Monday, there will be a five-hour Muse Night, 'dedicated to one of the UK's finest rock bands', and featuring a recording of the gig, and a special documentary 'celebrating a decade of Muse'.

Young and old in the town have embraced the A Seaside Rendezvous concerts, and Ian Hudson, landlord of the Devon Arms and the partner of Chris's mother Jackie, said: 'It has been the talk of the town all week.

'But some people just do not realise how big Muse are across the world – they are rated as one of the best live groups globally. You have to hear them live to appreciate just how good they are.

'They have been an inspiration to many other local bands, and Teignmouth now has a very vibrant music scene.'

The shows were in the balance until Monday, when the Teignbridge Council licensing committee gave the green light for a premises licence. The decision, announced by chairman Cllr Ted Hockin, of Dawlish, was greeted with applause and cheers by Muse fans who packed the public gallery for the hearing.

Teignmouth councillor Terry Falcao declared afterwards: 'Only in a few years' time will we know just what a momentous decision it was.

'Teignmouth is a world-class resort, and the publicity from the concerts will benefit the businesses in the town and surrounding areas for many years to come.

'Local politics have also benefited because Teignbridge has shown that it listens to its residents, and is solution focussed. The best news is Teignmouth residents will get a significant share of the tickets, and the profits will be ploughed back into the town.'

Cllr Falcao was referring to a pledge by the trio that the proceeds will be put back into the community, probably through a youth organisation.

Chris, who sat in on the vital committee meeting and chatted to fans before and after and signed autographs and posed for photos ,said he was 'really chuffed' at the decision.

The band will have to keep the sound level down to 84.1 decibels at the nearest premises, but Chris was confident they could comply.

He said: 'We normally play at a higher level than that, but I am sure we can still put on a good performance on the Den.

'We have always wanted to play locally, and everytime I go around the town, old mates and fans always ask when we will be putting on a local show.

'It will be a proud moment for us, but the nerves are starting to kick in now because all our families and friends will be there, and it will be strange to look out into the audience and seeing a lot of familiar faces.'

About 4,000 tickets will go sale at the Carlton from 9am today at £37.50 each for local fans, and the rest of the allocation will be up for grabs nationally through ticket agencies and the Muse website.

Teignmouth may be bursting at the seams and come to a virtual standstill over that weekend, but most locals would not miss it for anything.

In years to come they will be able to boast: 'I was there when Muse rocked the seafront.'