Memories of Woodstock festival in big cash row

Jul 27 2009 By Paul Cole, Sunday Mercury

A statement on the Martin Turner website advises fans: “Due to circumstances beyond our control, Martin Turner’s Wishbone Ash will not be appearing at the Memories of Woodstock festival.

“We are aware that some fans may have bought tickets for the festival specifically to see the band.

“In these instances we recommend people contact the promoters to request a refund on the basis of the bill no longer being as originally advertised.

“Martin Turner’s Wishbone Ash, together with several other high-profile acts, are not appearing at the festival due to a severe breach of contract on the part of the promoter. This is disappointing for all concerned.

“The bands agreed to appear at the festival in good faith and were all looking forward to performing. However, they would naturally expect the promoter to honour all contracted professional commitments. This, sadly, has not been the case.”

Don McKay, whose Rhino agency handles bookings for Martin Turner’s Wishbone Ash, told the Sunday Mercury: “Bands don’t play for free any more – it isn’t 1969.

“Step payments were due but failed to materialise despite promises from the event organiser. If you don’t receive them, you wonder if you are going to be paid on the day.

“Ironically, some of my acts will still be playing, Melanie and Jack Bruce among them, because they have been paid. It is a shame because it could have been a great festival.”

The show – staged in a 15,000-capacity marquee – is being organised by former sound and lights engineer Brian Davies, 53, who lives in a Scottish cottage named after Fangorn Forest in JRR Tolkien’s Lord Of The Rings.

The Liverpudlian was also a drummer with little-known group St James Infirmary, who toured in the 60s with bands such as chart stars Free, and now runs an events management company named New Dawn.

Last night he pledged that the show would go on, with replacement acts for the bands who had pulled out, and questioned their decision to cancel appearances at the event.

“I staged a show on the site in May and it was a huge success,” he said. “I successfully sought permission from Michael Lang, the man behind the original 1969 festival, to use the Woodstock name.