THE BERES HAMMOND MOTHER’S DAY FIASCO

While fans were happy at the Tony Matterhorn dance, those who had payed their $35 – $40 at the Kings Of Kings presentation of the Beres Hammond show had a much different experience to take home. Beres Hammond had apparently taken ill late that evening and was not prepared to perform for the massive of 2500 strong who had lined up from 6:00 PM at the Constellation Hotel. This problem was made worse by a communication breakdown between promoters of the show and their audience, who were made to wait for hours for a performance that ultimately would come too late, and definitely was too short, lasting only 10 minutes (half the crowd had left by this point).

It is not that people were angry at Beres, but people were frustrated at a lack of authority, respect and professionalism by promoters at the venue. When nobody would take the stage to tell the people what was going on and why the delay, the massives grew restless and eventually took things into their own hands. 

One fan leapt from the floor to the stage, took a guitar from the equipment belonging to the band, and stated on the mic that he wanted his money back. Another fan took over the DJ mic and stated they weren’t there to ‘dance to nuh DJ music, but to see Beres Hammond’. Finally, Beres took the stage, obviously under great pressure, and explained to the massives that his sudden illness would not enable him to perform. He then gave them a condensed performance that lasted only a few minutes before he left both stage and venue.

Many people felt ripped off, and those who wanted their money back were told they couldn’t get it (no ticket stubs were given to ticket buyers entering the venue), but would get a low priced ($15 advance/$20 at door) Beres Hammond concert scheduled for September 2nd. Yet still people asked, why did promoters keep charging full price right up till night’s end knowing that Beres may not perform. 

Even worse, why did they not ensure that ticket stubs were given so that if there was a refunding issue at night’s end, they would at least be able to trace who had paid to attend show. Adding insult to injury was the fact that it was a Mother’s Days show, and a lot of the T.O. massives had their mothers at the show and took their mothers home disappointed.

The following Friday, Kings Of Kings representative Castro Pink appeared on Friday Night Reggaemania and answered concerns from a series of callers. While some stated that they would continue to give Kings Of Kings their support as their track record proved them to be a credible promotions company, other callers were angry as to their treatment the night of the show, and were not happy with the solution of a make-up show where they would again be charged for admittance, even if it was a special discount of $20. 

When you think of it, promoters may have grossed $100,000 for their failed show, as 2500 people at $35 and $40 a ticket would ensure. Since Beres didn’t provide a full show, their costs were cut event more. So why the $20? Rightfully, it would seem more appropriate and perhaps more fair for Kings Of Kings to give the people a free show, even if this means going into their own pockets. This saga is sure to continue, as many people have made it clear – they want their money back!