Representatives for David Bowie have disputed reports suggesting the rock icon has granted permission for his songs to be featured in an upcoming fantasy musical based on the life of the superstar.
The legendary artist, who has never allowed others to licence his hits, was alleged to have approved plans by the creators of Heroes: The Musical to use his tracks in the forthcoming London production.
The brains behind the stageshow, Deep Singh, told Britain's The Observer newspaper, "We could not really believe it when they gave us permission.
"His people had warned us that it was very unlikely that he would be interested and that he had been asked many times before. We did not want Mr. Bowie to think it was going to be a tribute show, and that seems to have had an effect."
Heroes: The Musical was reportedly set to receive its world premiere at London's IndigO2 venue in March (12) and include Bowie tracks Heroes, The Man Who Sold The World and Let's Dance, among others - but now the musician's publicists have spoken out to dismiss the claims.
A statement issued to WENN on Sunday (27Nov11) reads: "Neither the David Bowie Organization, nor its co-publishers Emi Music and Chrysalis, has issued a license for a Bowie musical at the O2, as has been reported in the U.K. There are no negotiations pending for a long-running musical featuring the music of Mr. Bowie."