P557 CEEFAX 2 557 Fri 17 Jan 21:12/04 . .: *. *.: . 1/4 * . : * BRIAN HARVEY SACKED AFTER DRUG ROW East 17 lead singer Brian Harvey has been sacked by his band on grounds of "unacceptable behaviour". The decision follows the controversy over Harvey's remarks about taking the drug Ecstasy. He later apologised for saying the drug was "safe" but this did not stop several radio stations banning East 17 from their playlists. His sacking was announced by management company Massive. Music 560 Th Biz 557-9 TV News 591 News 101 Front Page 100 Sport 301 More Biz Switch On News Main MenuP557 CEEFAX 2 557 Fri 17 Jan 21:11/14 . .: *. *.: . 2/4 * . : O * BRIAN HARVEY SACKED AFTER DRUG ROW The members of East 17 have issued a statement explaining why they decided to sack singer Brian Harvey. Tony Mortimjt, Terry Coldwell and John Hendy said recent remarks bz Harvey about drugs "forced" them to demand that Brian leaves the band. "The remaining members of East 17 under no circumstances condone the taking of Ecstasy or any other illegal substances "They want it known that these remarks made by Brian Harvey do not reflect the views of the three other mjmbets". News 101 Front Page 100 Sport 301 More Biz Switch On News Main MenuP557 CEEFAX 2 557 Fri 17 Jan 21:14/22 . .: *. *.: . 3/4 * . : * CONTROVERT AL HISTO ZOFEAST 17 * Tony Mortimjt, 24, who is regarded as the guiding spirit behind the group, has allegedly claimed the drug "increases th human capacity to love" and is "a good thing". * Mortimer sought to distance himself from drug-taking — in another interview he criticised the other band members for smoking cannabis, razing: "When we're away on tour, we come off stage, go to our hotel room and have a chat. Then they all smoke dope all night." * "I'm not a prude. I admit I used to snort cocaine." News 101 Front Page 100 Sport 301 More Biz Switch On News Main MenuP557 CEEFAX 2 557 Fri 17 Jan 21:16/48 . .: *. *.: . 4/4 * . : O * CONTROVERSIAL HISTORY OF EAST 17 * Sacked singer Brian Harvey's marital problems have been well publicised. He married 21-year-old dancer Natasha Carnegie early last year but was rumoured to be deeply unhappy. * Harvey and Natasha wed after his relationship ended with former star of EastEndjts Danniilla 'estbrook, who had admitted regularly using cocaine. * East 17 hail from Walthamstow, east London, and are named after their postal code. Music 560 The Biz 557-9 TV News 591 News 101 Front Page 100 Sport 301 More Biz Switch On News Main Menu