Protests greet Eminem UK tour

LONDON, England -- U.S. rap singer Eminem took to the stage waving a chainsaw on the first night of his UK tour as 100 protesters demanded he "stop the bigotry, stop the hate."

Before his flamboyant entrance wearing a Friday the 13th style white mask, the 15,000-strong sell-out crowd in Manchester saw a video apparently showing two raiders meeting a sticky end after breaking into Eminem's home.

He later simulated his own execution in an electric chair.

Gay rights activists and women's groups complain about the content of Eminem's songs but the rapper has received critical acclaim and was recently nominated for four Grammy awards -- after taking two last year.

In his lyrics, he refers to "fags," fantasises about raping his mother and jokes about domestic violence.

He even has written songs about killing his wife, with whom he has had a troubled relationship.

His mother, who is suing him for $10 million, appears to be seeking a reconciliation, saying she may drop the suit in a recent interview.

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Music ban

Daniel Murphy, a member of the National Union of Students' gay, lesbian and bisexual campaign, which coordinated Thursday's protest, said people should not underestimate the singer's influence.

"We want to call attention to the fact that his lyrics have a direct affect on the lives of gay people.

"People look up to Eminem and adopt his language and his attitude."

The protest was also being supported by gay rights group OutRage!.

Spokesman Peter Tatchell, who did not attend, has criticised Eminem for hiding from his critics.

"Eminem's itinerary has been shrouded in extraordinary secrecy. He is very forthright in his opinions but is not willing to give his critics the opportunity to put their point of view to him," said Tatchell.

Sheffield University students' union has already banned Eminem from being played on its radio station.

Eminem, whose real name is Marshall Bruce Mathers III, arrived in Manchester on Thursday aboard a private jet from Paris. An armoured van drove him from the airport, and security was tight outside the arena.

Thursday's gig is the first of three on the brief tour.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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February 8, 2001

Eminem

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