Dire Straits concert

Press, 15 February 1986, Page 18

Dire Straits concert

Sir, —We are now told that the Dire Straits concert is to be staged at either Queen Elizabeth II Park or Lancaster Park, but the tickets sold clearly state Addington Show Grounds as the venue. The promoter obviously knew well before Christmas that the concert was a sell-out, but carried on selling tickets with no regard for the comfort of those people who had purchased their tickets in the initial stages, and who were under the mistaken impression that they would enjoy Dire Straits at the Show Grounds. There are many people who have no desire to join at least 46,000 others to view a 10-metre screen in lieu of being able to actually see the performing artists. Does Mr Magan intend offering a full refund to those disappointed people? — Yours, etc. B. A. THOMPSON. February 7, 1986.

[Mr lan Magan replies: "We, as promoters, most certainly did not know before Christmas that the concert was a sell-out. The demand for tickets far exceeded our expectations. At no time had we stated any form of lower limit to ticket sales, and were prepared to sell up to 50,000 for the Addington Showgrounds. After consultation with Addington’s management in January, we realised that more than 50,000 tickets would probably be sold and, in our own and the public’s interest, spent a lot' of time and money changing to Lancaster Park, as recently announced. The round configuration of Lancaster Park is far superior to the more oval shape of Addington, allowing more people to be much closer to the stage. The extra space available also offers much more room for freedom of movement — one of our priorities for the patrons’ enjoyment of the show. The giant screen adds close-ups to the live action, and gives us a further high-tech dimension. It is not there as a substitute. Apart from your correspondent, we are not aware of any “disappointed people.” On the contrary our feedback is most positive from people who are excited at being a part of this unique event. The South Island reaction to Dire Straits is, on a per capita basis, without precedent anywhere else in the world. We have gone to considerable lengths to give our South Island patrons the best concert production and facilities ever seen in this country. We, offer no refunds or apologies.”] J

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