REM frontman MICHAEL STIPE says his band's smash international hit SHINY HAPPY PEOPLE has a "limited appeal".

However, the 43-year-old singer refuses to disown the song because it is important to so many fans.

Michael says, "Denis Leary at that time was approaching me at dinners, saying it was a schtick, he was a fan of the band and I completely understand that.

"I wouldn't say I'm embarrassed by the song but it is what it is, has limited appeal for me.

"I never bad-mouth. I try never to say anything bad about the songs that I don't particularly like. Because there might be someone out there who hears that to whom that song means everything, to whom that song represents something in their life which is essential and I don't want to take that from them."

10/10/2003 19:06