> archives
  > diaries
  > press clippings
  > site updates  

Durban, South Africa Cancellation: Ian's Comments

I was informed about the cancellation of the Durban show late on Wednesday 7th November and have still not had an explanation as to the specific reasons. Since the original promoters of the South African concerts have now been replaced by the venue operators (Carnival City/Sun International) of the other three concerts in South Africa, I can only assume it was as a result of financial or legal problems. Happily, the Carnival City folks have rescued and guaranteed the remaining three shows.

I offered last Monday to play the Durban show without any payment to Jethro Tull as a means of keeping it alive but that seems to have been ruled out and the decision taken by others to cancel.

I am deeply distressed and let down by the original promoters but ticket buyers must understand that it is not in my power to play a show without venue, sound, lights, staging, security and all the production facilities necessary to make it happen.

Apologies to all concerned. I am as pissed off as anyone. More so, perhaps, as I, band and crew had to come 5000 miles to face this reality, taking a very real risk that none of the shows might happen at all at the time of departure from the UK.

An email from the original promoter, received late this morning (on the date of the cancelled show) simply states:

" I just wanted to say I am sorry, I am not going to try and pass blame and make excuses. I know I have done many things wrong and I want you to know that this was not my intention and I deeply regret the way things turned out.

You are a man I respect and would love to learn from and it is eating me up that I disappointed you so badly as I said this was never my intention so again I am sorry.

I hope you will accept my apology

Kind Regards, (name withheld)"

Like many of the disappointed ticket buyers, I wish this person (name withheld by me) would offer the same condolences and apologies to them.

Ian Anderson