Martin Kielty of Ultimate Classic Rock reports:
Spanish authorities have fined AC/DC promoters Live Nation for refusing to issue ticket refunds to fans who didn’t want to see Axl Rose fronting the band.Furthermore, they’re urging those who remain unhappy to take action, saying they have five years from the date of the show to reclaim their cash.
Last year, AC/DC singer Brian Johnson was ordered to quit performing with immediate effect or risk permanent hearing loss. The band hired Guns N’ Roses leader Rose to take his place, in a move that was widely criticized at first, but was later met with general approval.
After the lineup change, Live Nation assured fans in Spain that anyone who no longer wanted to attend the previously announced show in Seville on May 10th would be granted a refund. But, the company stopped accepting applications three days later as a result of high demands – a move that Seville city authorities have branded it a “breach of commitment.” As a result, Live Nation has been fined €15,000 and narrowly escaped being charged €30,000.
“After the complaint of Consumers in Action, the promoter has been fined for refusing to return money to numerous users who claimed it after the replacement of Brian Johnson with Axl Rose,” Spanish consumers’ group FACUA said. “FACUA warned that the replacement meant a substantial change in the conditions of the concert, and was a justified cause for claiming a refund. Live Nation assured they would ‘return money to those who asked for it’ without setting a deadline.”
Live Nation told some claimants who applied, “We regret to inform you that we have stopped serving requests for reimbursement.” However, FACUA said that other fans were simply ignored, even if they’d made contact before the cutoff date.
The action group added that Rose’s broken foot – which forced him to perform while sitting on a stage throne – “altered the characteristics of the show” and was “an added motive to complain.”
“Affected users can still claim their money back,” FACUA noted. “They only have to file a claim in court. There is no need for an attorney. The civil code establishes a period of five years to submit claims of breach of contract.”
The future of AC/DC remains in doubt after the band completed its world tour in support of 2014’s Rock or Bust. Last year, guitarist Angus Young said he felt “obligated” to keep the band going.
7 Responses
I think AC/DC’s music sounded good with Axl, particularly on the Bon songs. But, to me, it was karaoke, not AC/DC. I just can’t accept AC/DC in its current form with Axl and without Malcolm, Phil, and now Cliff. The Bon Scott era of AC/DC was my favorite period of the band. Brian Johnson era was great, too. But, sadly, my AC/DC is no more….
Completely understand why some fans would want a refund for these shows. Even though, from what I heard, Axl did a bang up job singing the AC/DC tunes. I mean, the guy was singing from a “throne” due to his broken foot! Kudos to Axl for stepping up and doing the best he could, but I sure wouldn’t want to pay to see a guy singing while setting in a chair! Half of the fun of an AC/DC show is the energy of the band while onstage, the interaction of Brian J. and Angus, etc.! Live Nation should be sued for not honoring their commitment to giving refunds.
Oh wait, I think I will file a claim for reimbursement because there was no Bon Scott, Phil Rudd or Mark Evans to reflect the “true characteristics of the show.” Puhleeze. Yeah, no Brian Johnson, which sucked, but come on, you got to see frickin’ Axl Rose, not just some sub, fill-in singer.
Fans lose out in both cases. Live Nation will end up giving these tickets holders-complainers credit towards another event and nothing more. If, they even get that. What a way to screw the fans…one way or another it’s through our pockets.
I have always loved acdc , not so much with axl, although his voice kind of fits acdc in the 70’s – they were too young to quit when bon died and got really lucky to find brian , he’s been the longest running singer and does/did a great job! acdc with out the original line up just seems like …ehhhhhh to me – and probably to many other people as well – all refunds should be honored if they were offered , that is business 101 – live nation will lose in court – angus should do his own thing if he wants to keep making music and probably will , but who knows what he will do??? if kiss can trash their legacy,… well then acdc has every right to do the same damn thing! ……….