Springsteen Date Set

WORLD renowned concert promoter Harvey Goldsmith is to make a personal appeal to a court to give the go-ahead for the Bruce Springsteen concert at old Trafford cricket ground.

Today Mr Goldsmith told the M.E.N of his shock after licensing bosses had refused to sanction the event after neighbours protested about noise and a nuisance threat.

An appeal hearing is to take place before Trafford Magistrates on April 30.

As Trafford Council chief executive Carole Hassan stood by the decision, today, Mr Goldsmith, a key organiser of Live Aid, said: “I have been promoting for over 35 years and in all that time I have never had a license refused.

“The Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band audience is a totally different crowd from that of previous concerts held at this venue and we have done everything in our power to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.

“This is the first time I have produced a show at LCCC so feel it is unfair to be judged on the residents’ past experiences. I am confident that we will win the appeal on this basis, and customers should keep hold of their tickets.”

Reputation

He also revealed he will give evidence at the appeal, and it is thought he will lean on his long-standing reputation as an organizer of live events around the world.

His live events company, Artist Management Productions Ltd, the firm behind the Springsteen gig, will appeal for a licence for the sell-out 50,000 concert set for May 29.

Trafford’s licensing bosses refused to sanction the gig after hearing the concerns of residents over noise and crowd problems at previous concerts, particularly Oasis.

There were also concerns that it would come 24-hours after the Champions’ League final at Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium nearby.

Hundreds of fans have swamped this website to register their protest.

The Manchester-based consultant for the venue, Rob Ballantine, of SJM Concerts, added: “Our switchboard has been under siege and our postbag bulging with letters from concerned fans who are traveling from far and wide for the show. As well as being baffled by the council’s ruling, they are concerned about hotel bookings and travel arrangements they have made.

“All we can say is we are one hundred per cent confident the licence will be granted. We are urging fans not to cancel their arrangements and we look forward to issuing a news release on 1st of May confirming the concert will be going ahead.”

Trafford Council chief executive Carole Hassan said she recognised fans of Bruce Springsteen were disappointed but insisted the council had a duty to protect the public and the decision was not arrived at lightly.

Seriously


“The Committee has granted licences to the Lancashire County Cricket Club in the past for concerts and is experienced in making judgements on these issues, considering each application on its merits.


“It takes seriously its responsibilities regarding public safety and ensuring the effective management of such events and their impact on local residents.


“The council has a duty to protect the public as well as make sure that there are opportunities for people to enjoy themselves. These judgements are never easy.


“I understand that the committee’s decision was not based solely on the behaviour of Oasis fans at a previous concert, but on consideration of wider issues, including the fact that the concert follows the UEFA Champions League Final on 28 May. This would mean a significant environmental impact on the local community for a much longer period of time than previous events.


“I would like to take this opportunity to dispel the myth that the council is unaware of the audience profile for Bruce Springsteen concerts and that it has compared the fans with those of Oasis. I can assure you that the Council is fully aware of each concert audience profile and that the decision was not made on these grounds.


“Trafford Council is committed to continuing discussions with the stadium’s management team, the promoters, police and others. We do however have to listen to the concerns of local people living in the vicinity of the ground. The council also welcomes and is listening to the comments made by fans.“


14/04/2003

How come the USA doesn't have these problems with Bruce?

Guess I know why he is playing 12 shows in Jersey alone. :P

because Oasis fans didnt shit in your gardens

They've not actually sent mine yet

it's too long Goose