SOURCE:  http://www.contactmusic.com/new/xmlfeed.nsf/mndwebpages/PUDDLE%20OF%20MUDD%20ARE%20THE%20CHOICE%20FOR%20THE%20TROOPS

Rockers PUDDLE OF MUDD have been named the biggest musical inspiration among US troops based in Iraq after performing in Tikrit on 12 September (04).

The SHE HATES ME group were shocked to learn soldiers stationed in the Middle East had put them at the top of their wish lists when they were asked which act they'd most like to see play live - and they had no hesitation to say yes to the opportunity to play for troops.

The concert, held in front of 1,500 troops in the ruins of a soccer stadium, was kept so top secret for security reasons that troops were convinced the show was a prank until Puddle of Mudd frontman WES SCANTLIN took to the stage.

Bass player DOUG ARDITO says, "Our managers were like, 'Do you want to go to Iraq?' and me and Wes look at each other and were like, 'Yeah!' We didn't even think twice about it.

"They said half the soldiers on the bases didn't believe them when they said we were coming. They were like, 'They're not going to come here,' because so many people have backed out after saying the right thing."

Scantlin adds, "I think a lot of it has to do with a lot of these artists and bands living pretty high on the hog. It's not luxurious when you're over there. You're breathing sand through the air. It's like 130 degrees, and it's not for artists that chill in super nice houses."

28/09/2004 09:25