Dylan practice puts concerts at risk

Press, 6 February 1986, Page 1

Dylan practice puts concerts at risk

PA Wellington The Bob Dylan concert promoter, Hugh Lynn, said yesterday that he was concerned about the future of rock concerts at Athletic Park in Wellington after being “hassled” by the Mayor, Mr lan Lawrence, over a “misunderstanding.”

Mr Lynn met City Council engineers and Health Department officials after a rehearsal by Bob Dylan and Tom Petty on Tuesday had sparked angry calls from Newtown residents about the noise.

Mr Lawrence said the council had granted a permit for use of the park for the concert but not for rehearsals.

Mr Lynn said he had misunderstood this. For the last 18 years, rock bands had always been able to rehearse. It was necessary for a professional show that lighting and stage acts be refined.

As a result of the meeting, last evening’s concert began 30 minutes early, and the council stipulated that it should finish by 10.30 p.m. or future con-

certs would be jeopardised.

Mr Lynn, who is promoting a tour by the rock band, Dire Straits, next month, said he was concerned about what had happened.

Dylan and Petty had been enjoying themselves and the rehearsal had gone on longer than expected, he said. He found it ironic that the rehearsal had caused such a problem after the Wellington waterfront car race a fortnight ago had been so noisy.