By M&C News Nov 11, 2006, 16:05 GMT
Axl Rose and the rest of his new Guns N’ Roses bandmates canceled a planned concert in Portland, Maine after they were instructed by state officials that they would not be allowed to drink alcohol on stage. The event was scheduled for Monday at Cumberland County Civic Center.
Officials from the state fire marshal’s office told the band they would receive a no-drinking order when the stage was inspected for the planned pyrotechnics that are part of the Guns concert, according to a statement from Stephen McCausland, spokesman for the Maine Public Safety Department.
The band informed the officials they wanted to be able to drink a variety of alcoholic beverages (including beer, wine and Jagermeister) during their concert, and promptly cancelled the performance hours after they were informed about the order, according to McCausland.
A Guns’ spokesman blamed the fire marshals for the concert cancellation in a statement saying the inspectors were "making it impossible for the band to perform their show to the usual high standards that their fans deserve." The statement did not include a specific reason for the band’s decision to cancel.
Rose also issued a statement on the band’s website meant as an apology to fans that were planning to catch the show.
"It was important for us to play there and it is a shame that what should have been a great night for all of us was not possible due to the actions of two people," the statement said – including a reference to the inspectors. "I agree with, and ultimately take responsibility for, the end decision not to jeopardize the safety of the fans, the crews, the bands and myself as a result of the methods of these particularly draconian authorities. We hope to find another way to play for you in the future."
Maine state law prohibits performers from drinking while on stage. It also prohibits employees of liquor licensed businesses from drinking while at work. The Cumberland County Civic Center issued a statement concerning refunds for the show and informing the public they would be issued at the point of purchase.
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