Guns N' Roses Cancels
Show Over Booze Law
Nov 10, 12:08 PM EST
The Associated Press
LEWISTON, Maine -- Guns
N' Roses canceled a performance in Portland,
Maine this week after being told by
state officials that the band could
not drink on stage.
Inspectors from the state
fire marshal's office gave the band
the no-drinking order when they came
to look over the pyrotechnics planned
for Monday's scheduled concert at the
Cumberland County Civic Center, said
Stephen McCausland, spokesman for the
Maine Public Safety Department.
McCausland said the band
had wanted to drink beer, wine and Jagermeister
while performing. A couple of hours
after being told that would violate
state law, Guns N' Roses canceled its
concert, he said.
After the cancellation,
a band spokesperson blamed fire marshals
for "making it impossible for the
band to perform their show to the usual
high standards that their fans deserve."
The press release, however, did not
give a specific reason for the pullout.
Band leader Axl Rose issued
a statement through the Guns N' Roses
Web site apologizing to fans in Maine.
"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," said
Rose, referring to the fire marshals.
"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,"
Rose's statement said. "We hope
to find another way to play for you
in the future."
Jeff Austin, supervisor
of liquor licensing and inspection for
the state Department of Public Safety,
said state law prohibits performers
from drinking while on stage, and prohibits
employees at establishments with liquor
licenses from drinking on the job.
"It's been on the
books for years," said Austin,
adding that he talked to state inspectors
Monday afternoon while they were at
the civic center to read them the law.
Austin said he's issued
citations for three or four administrative
violations of the no-drinking law this
year.
The Cumberland County
Civic Center Web site said refunds for
the Guns N' Roses concert would be issued
at the point of purchase.
