A London-based public relations company's use of the recent deaths of three rock stars to promote a new computer game has spectacularly backfired.
Yesterday, just hours after the suicide of Feeder drummer Jon Lee was announced, Peter Noble PR sent out a press release for the new game title calling the deaths an "ironic twist leading up to the much hyped computer game release entitled Rock Manager".
Today Peter Noble, the managing director of the firm, was forced to issue a grovelling apology to those on his mailing list.
The press release started off by saying: "Today you probably heard about the untimely death of the drummer of rock group Feeder. Welsh-born rock star, Jon Lee, 33, is to believed to have committed suicide."
It continued: "Lee's sudden death is the latest in a series of rock suicides. Last week Zac Foley, 31, the bassist of EMF was found dead in England. Stuart Adamson, 43, the front man of Big Country and former guitarist for punk band The Skids, was found hanged in his Hawaii hotel room in December.
"Life goes on and some even say rock'n'roll never dies. How weird is that? It's no surprise that the recent rock suicides serve as an ironic twist leading up to the much hyped computer game release entitled Rock Manager."
But not everyone was happy when they saw the deaths crassly linked to a commercial product.
Mr Noble was forced to issue a grovelling apology after some recipients complained the press release was in bad taste.
His apology said: "Following the email that I sent to you yesterday where I commented on the recent tragic loss of three rock stars - Jon Lee (Feeder), Zac Foley (EMF) and Stuart Adamson (Big Country), I sincerely apologise for any upset we may have caused you.
"It was not my intention to cause you any offence. My heartfelt sympathies go out to the three talented musicians and their families during this difficult time. Please accept my deepest apologies."
The PAN Interactive game, which launches in the UK on March 21, challenges the player to develop a successful rock or pop act by recruiting band members, recording an album and hit record.
