Connecticut Promoter Bashes GnR's Reliability

[italysfinest1985]

On local radio station 106.9, the local promoter who books the events in the main venues in CT claimed (in a very snide tone) "There are no plans to bring in Guns and Roses in any of the CT venues as of right now. They proved to be too much of a hassle in the past on their tours."

Tried to get through to bash this dickhead on the phone, but couldnt get through. Asshole.

[busngabb]

He has a point, but I thought the near 100% record in the UK & rest of Europe tour would have calmed things. Tickets don't seem to be selling well either.

[slashisvr]

yeah

they guys did a good european tour and started off well

[BluesGNR]

yeah

they guys did a good european tour and started off well

Historically, from a promoters standpoint, it is too much of a risk to warrant the potential returns... Can't blame him, but I don't like it. 

[Alina]

well those guys live in 19 century, and doesnt read the internet reviews about tours

[slashisvr]

yeah, well people should realy realise its there last chance after all the black promises

[dave-gnfnr2k]

The CT venues are shitholes anyways, gnr shouldnt even play CT.

[cotis]

He has a point, but I thought the near 100% record in the UK & rest of Europe tour would have calmed things. Tickets don't seem to be selling well either.

The shows in Vegas are and were sold out.

Went to the box office because I was curious and last nights was sold out, as is tonights.

[italysfinest1985]

Eh, the Civic Center in Hartford wouldn't be bad as its 20 minutes from my house.  Not all are shitholes.

[dave-gnfnr2k]

Eh, the Civic Center in Hartford wouldn't be bad as its 20 minutes from my house.? Not all are shitholes.

Well the one that gnr played in 2002 is. And they didnt even sell out CT because I am sure most of the fans went to MA and NY for the show

[killingvector]

This has to be  jim Koplik. He used to be the promoter for MSG back in the early nineties. A few years back, he told a none too flattering story about Axl in which before a MSG show, Axl locked himself in his hotel room and refused to come out for his show. Apparently, they finally convinced him to come out and secured a helocopter to bring him to the venue , but Axl demanded that his security entourage come with him. Unfortunately, the helicopter wouldn't lift off with so many people to transit.  Axl allegedly was screaming at the promoters, refused to go on without his staff. At this point in the story, Koplik referred to Axl as a little jerk. The promoters pulled a couple of Axl's entourage off the chopper and locked the door in Axl's screaming face, told the pilot to take off. koplik was not very positive when asked if he would deal with Axl again.

[italysfinest1985]

I believe the name was Koplik.

[russtcb]

On local radio station 106.9, the local promoter who books the events in the main venues in CT claimed (in a very snide tone) "There are no plans to bring in Guns and Roses in any of the CT venues as of right now. They proved to be too much of a hassle in the past on their tours."

Tried to get through to bash this dickhead on the phone, but couldnt get through. Asshole.

Good thing there's no such thing as bad publicity.

If I got the guy on the phone, I'd thank him for giving the impression that GNR is still the most dangerous band in rock. Also, I'd ask him if he thinks his credibility will suffer when GNR plays seveal dates within CT?

[italysfinest1985]

Haha, good one russ.

[Judge Dredd]

What a silly billy.

[Bono]

On local radio station 106.9, the local promoter who books the events in the main venues in CT claimed (in a very snide tone) "There are no plans to bring in Guns and Roses in any of the CT venues as of right now. They proved to be too much of a hassle in the past on their tours."

Tried to get through to bash this dickhead on the phone, but couldnt get through. Asshole.

Fair play to the promoter. Suppose you had a public record of showing up late for work, walking out on work or not showing up for work altogether. How many people would hire you while knowing your past history?  The promoter has every right to express these views because honestly he's right. 

[Eternal Flaming Sword of Death...]

Tickets don't seem to be selling well either.

what is this random piece of information based on?

just curious, i hadn't seen any update on ticket sales, except the ones that sold out...

[AXL 20]

what a dick. They should play CT. I mean if they play clubs in vegas they should play the civic center. Theres a strong enough fan base here, not amongst kids my age but in general.

[pilferk]

I'm sure it was Koplik.? It's not surprising.? I've talked to him before, privately, and he's said basically the same thing.

He only has exclusivity on? the Dodge,the Chevy and, I think, Mohegan Sun.? ?He does book the Civic Center, but so do other promoters (he has no exclusivity on the venue, in other words), and he doesn't book Harbor Yard in Bridgeport, I don't think.? So, when Koplik says there are no plans to book GnR in CT...he's talking about his "exclusive" venues, I think.? Add to that the fact that Koplik works for LiveNation (who, I think, are the promoters/sponsers of the concert) and the fact that, if those higher up on the food chain want GnR in CT, they'll BE in CT, and I think there's at least a glimmer of hope we'll get a CT date.? ?And if not, there's always Albany or NYC or Boston or Worcester or Amherst or Springfield (depending on where they decide play) all within relatively easy travel distance.

Oh, and most of the CT venues are shitholes, ESPECIALLY the Civic Center....

[brock]

He has a point, but I thought the near 100% record in the UK & rest of Europe tour would have calmed things. Tickets don't seem to be selling well either.

The shows in Vegas are and were sold out.

Went to the box office because I was curious and last nights was sold out, as is tonights.

i fucking hope they sold out, 1500 seaters should be sold out instantly! LOL

[NickNasty]

I think there's at least a glimmer of hope we'll get a CT date.   And if not, there's always Albany or NYC or Boston or Worcester or Amherst or Springfield (depending on where they decide play) all within relatively easy travel distance.

Man, I'd kill for them to play Amherst or Springfield---I'd rather drive 10 minutes or a half hour respectively then across-state...but i still say the most likely new england date is the tdbanknorth garden, with the civic center in hartford a distant second possiblity.

[veritas55]

koplik was not very positive when asked if he would deal with Axl again.

gee, I wonder why . . . .  not to mention the overtime fees, which the promoter often has to swallow.

[WAR41]

When I read the topic I thought this was just going to be a statement of 'yeah the promoter just talked shit about how reliable Axl is... oh well'.  But then the poster called the promoter an asshole.  This guy stands to lose hundreds of thousands of dollars on booking concerts.  If I lived in CT I would be dissapointed to hear that, but to get angry at the guy and call him an asshole because of it is just ludicrous.  I think the guy has a valid argument.  Now if this was 1991 again and GNR was the biggest band in the world then he would have no choice and would have to take the risk. 

[russtcb]

When I read the topic I thought this was just going to be a statement of 'yeah the promoter just talked shit about how reliable Axl is... oh well'.  But then the poster called the promoter an asshole.  This guy stands to lose hundreds of thousands of dollars on booking concerts.  If I lived in CT I would be dissapointed to hear that, but to get angry at the guy and call him an asshole because of it is just ludicrous.  I think the guy has a valid argument.  Now if this was 1991 again and GNR was the biggest band in the world then he would have no choice and would have to take the risk. 

At the end of the day, this is just another person looking to gain attention by mentioning Axls name.

Like I said before it just perpetuates the idea that Axl and GNR are still dangerous. That's what rock & roll is about so that's fine with me.

[WAR41]

When I read the topic I thought this was just going to be a statement of 'yeah the promoter just talked shit about how reliable Axl is... oh well'.? But then the poster called the promoter an asshole.? This guy stands to lose hundreds of thousands of dollars on booking concerts.? If I lived in CT I would be dissapointed to hear that, but to get angry at the guy and call him an asshole because of it is just ludicrous.? I think the guy has a valid argument.? Now if this was 1991 again and GNR was the biggest band in the world then he would have no choice and would have to take the risk.?

At the end of the day, this is just another person looking to gain attention by mentioning Axls name.

Like I said before it just perpetuates the idea that Axl and GNR are still dangerous. That's what rock & roll is about so that's fine with me.

Or maybe he was asked if GNR was going to play in CT and he responded to the question  For some reason I find it hard to believe that some guy would get on the radio and come out and say 'oh yeah, and all you people living in CT, GNR aren't playing here because of what Axl did in the early 90's to me!'.  I would be willing to put money on the fact that he was not the one to bring up GNR in the interview. 

[jimb0]

The CT venues are shitholes anyways, gnr shouldnt even play CT.

GNR Should play CT, cuz I want to see them. 

[russtcb]

When I read the topic I thought this was just going to be a statement of 'yeah the promoter just talked shit about how reliable Axl is... oh well'.  But then the poster called the promoter an asshole.  This guy stands to lose hundreds of thousands of dollars on booking concerts.  If I lived in CT I would be dissapointed to hear that, but to get angry at the guy and call him an asshole because of it is just ludicrous.  I think the guy has a valid argument.  Now if this was 1991 again and GNR was the biggest band in the world then he would have no choice and would have to take the risk. 

At the end of the day, this is just another person looking to gain attention by mentioning Axls name.

Like I said before it just perpetuates the idea that Axl and GNR are still dangerous. That's what rock & roll is about so that's fine with me.

Or maybe he was asked if GNR was going to play in CT and he responded to the question  For some reason I find it hard to believe that some guy would get on the radio and come out and say 'oh yeah, and all you people living in CT, GNR aren't playing here because of what Axl did in the early 90's to me!'.  I would be willing to put money on the fact that he was not the one to bring up GNR in the interview. 

Hopefully someone has the audio to prove it one way or the other. I know Ozzy, Trent, Scott and everyone else who mentions Axl and GNR bring it up on their own so I wouldn't find it too hard to believe that this guy did too.

[pilferk]

I'm not sure where the OP heard it.? I also can't comment on how things go now, because since getting Sirius Satellite radio back in Jan, I've listened to maybe 10 min of WCCC (106.9). However the segement (which used to air every Friday during Mike Karolyi's show) was called "10 Concert Questions with Koplik" (Karolyi does his own version, "10 Concert Questions with Karolyi" Mon - Thurs) and was, in fact, listener call in.? So, Koplik probably WAS answering a phone in question, though it could also have been a Karolyi direct question, since GnR used to get asked about a fair bit on his shows and I'm sure he's heard about the US dates cropping up.

That being said, just a couple of comments:

1) I talked with Koplik, personally, after the '02 tour and he basically said the exact same thing to me, at the time.? All things considered, and given how the '02 tour ended....he had no interest in ever bringing them back to CT.?

2) Back before the '06 Euro tour started, and just before the Hammerstein shows went on sale, I emailed Karolyi to have him ask Koplik about this, again (since I don't have much direct contact with Koplik).? He did, and Koplik, once again, said pretty much exactly what you're reading at the start of this thread.

3) There is more than enough evidence on Koplik being an asshole, at times.? He'll admit it, himself, especially when dealing with certain acts, or certain types of acts.? He also freely admits it costs him money to be an asshole, but he does it because he doesn't like to deal with the "hassle" of some acts, regardless of the gate they'd turn.? And for those that say "if GnR were the biggest band in the world, he'd book him".....it's not true.? This is the guy who, pretty much, "banned" Dave Matthews, during the DMB's heyday, from CT for a time (because of some bad behavior by a group of tailgaters before a DMB show), and refused to book acts like The Greatful Dead into some CT venues for the LONGEST time.?

Edit: Here's the email I sent back in March (I can forward it to jarmo, if anyone really wants it validated):

From: "Mike Karolyi"
To: "Pilferk At"
Subject: RE: Guns n Roses Help
Date: Wed, 8 Mar 2006 09:40:53 -0500


It is BS.

Koplik is not interested in having them in CT.? sorry.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Pilferk At
Sent: Wednesday, March 08, 2006 8:24 AM
To: Mike Karolyi
Subject: RE: Guns n Roses Help


Hey Mike!

There's another "rumor" going around that an "official" GnR single has been sent out to the radio stations.? Anchorage, Alaska (yes, ALASKA) and Columbus, Ohio have both reportedly had jocks confirm this (though they can't play it yet, I guess).? Me...I think it's BS.? I'm just wondering if you guys over at WCCC have gotten a single from the label or not.? And if you have, could you give me any info on it like song title, etc?

Oh, and did you ever get a chance to ask Koplik about any stateside GnR dates for the fall?

Thanks man!

Pilferk

[pilferk]

I think there's at least a glimmer of hope we'll get a CT date.? ?And if not, there's always Albany or NYC or Boston or Worcester or Amherst or Springfield (depending on where they decide play) all within relatively easy travel distance.

Man, I'd kill for them to play Amherst or Springfield---I'd rather drive 10 minutes or a half hour respectively then across-state...but i still say the most likely new england date is the tdbanknorth garden, with the civic center in hartford a distant second possiblity.

I could see them playing the Mullins Center, for sure.? It's a great venue, though I'm not sure playing a "college venue" would be the best demographic...but who knows.

I saw Green Day play there not too too long ago.? It was a very good show!? Plenty big enough venue for GnR.

I think Harbor Yard, in Bridgeport, would be a good fit, too.  You pull some of the NYC demo, plus CT, plus some NY state people...and it only seats about 7500 for end stage, I think.  Which, depending on whether there is any new material or not, seems to be a nice number for GnR right now.

[WAR41]

3) There is more than enough evidence on Koplik being an asshole, at times.? He'll admit it, himself, especially when dealing with certain acts, or certain types of acts.? He also freely admits it costs him money to be an asshole, but he does it because he doesn't like to deal with the "hassle" of some acts, regardless of the gate they'd turn.? And for those that say "if GnR were the biggest band in the world, he'd book him".....it's not true.? This is the guy who, pretty much, "banned" Dave Matthews, during the DMB's heyday, from CT for a time (because of some bad behavior by a group of tailgaters before a DMB show), and refused to book acts like The Greatful Dead into some CT venues for the LONGEST time.?

That is nuts for two reasons.  One is that he is willing to turn down that much money at the gate to make sure he has no hassles and two is that he has that much power to decide who plays and who doesnt!  That is kind of scary to think about. 

[pilferk]

3) There is more than enough evidence on Koplik being an asshole, at times.? He'll admit it, himself, especially when dealing with certain acts, or certain types of acts.? He also freely admits it costs him money to be an asshole, but he does it because he doesn't like to deal with the "hassle" of some acts, regardless of the gate they'd turn.? And for those that say "if GnR were the biggest band in the world, he'd book him".....it's not true.? This is the guy who, pretty much, "banned" Dave Matthews, during the DMB's heyday, from CT for a time (because of some bad behavior by a group of tailgaters before a DMB show), and refused to book acts like The Greatful Dead into some CT venues for the LONGEST time.?

That is nuts for two reasons.? One is that he is willing to turn down that much money at the gate to make sure he has no hassles and two is that he has that much power to decide who plays and who doesnt!? That is kind of scary to think about.?

Nuts, but true.  Mostly because Koplik is THE promoter in CT.  There just aren't many other promoters who work in the state.  There's a few (most notably there's an outfit out of NY State...they did the Judas Priest concert out of Harbor Yard back in '05...which, evidently, pissed off Koplik so much that he talked most of the Hartford Radio stations into NOT promoting it heavily), but not many.  He really does have a stranglehold on much of the concert business, and with his exclusivity on the Dodge and the Chevy....it handcuffs many other promoters who want "in" to CT.

I've also been told (and I won't get specific) that Koplik plays hardball with any promoters he sees as "coming into his territory", and with bands/venues/radio stations that go "around" him.  That's mostly rumor and gossip, so I don't know how much credence to lend it, but given his almost mafia like stranglehold in this state (and no, I'm not suggesting he has any ties to the mafia...it's just a metaphor).....it wouldn't surprise me if it was true.