The Tribune

By CHESTER ROBARDS

Tribune Senior Reporter

crobards@tribunemedia.net

BERES Hammond croons “they gonna talk” in one of his popular songs, and that is exactly what some angry concert goers have been doing since the reggae star was a no-show at Friday night’s “A Night of Love” concert.

And, Mr Hammond’s manager, Mervis Walsh, told a local television station that they may consider taking legal action against the promotion company, Above the Rim, which has hosted Beres Hammond in concert for nine years.

She claimed her team was not paid by Above the Rim for Friday night’s show and therefore did not take the stage.

Above the Rim chief Jimmy Smith, who took full responsibility for his headliner not taking the stage, said he intends to make amends with disappointed ticket holders.

“Beres lived up to his end of the deal but Above the Rim did not,” said Mr Smith. “We just want to say the right thing and do the right thing.”

After the “A Night of Love” concert was shut down Friday night, angry patrons took to Facebook to air their disappointment.

One individual told The Tribune: “I was afraid there was going to be a riot.”

Mr Smith said this is the first trouble they have had with this particular concert series in the many years they have been holding it.

He said Above the Rim has for nine years brought hundreds of thousands of dollars to the economy through the concert and hopes the community can understand and allow his company to make amends.

“This is 100 per cent my problem and I am obligated to the Bahamian people,” Mr Smith said.

Ms Walsh told the television media that it was “unfortunate” they were unable to present Beres, saying: “We came here to work, we didn’t come here to play.”

Last night, Above the Rim issued a statement saying: “During the past 25 years of promoting and presenting first and world class entertainment to the Bahamas, this past Friday, February 22, 2013, marks the first time ever that we at Above the Rim Productions have advertised and sold tickets for any event and a contracted artist did not perform.

“We wish to again apologise to the hundreds of patrons who attended the ‘Night of Love Concert’ at the Wyndham Resort, Nassau, with the expectation of enjoying the legendary Beres Hammond perform as the featured act. Above the Rim and the people of the Bahamas share a tremendous bond with Beres, and we deeply regret the circumstances that led to this disappointment.

“As announced at Friday night’s concert, we wish to remind patrons to hold on to their wrist bands. Plans are being made for a make up show.

“Above the Rim has a long standing history of providing a service of excellence and we remain committed to pleasing the people of the Bahamas and around the world. We take this opportunity to again thank and apologise to Beres Hammond and his team members, whom we regard as family, and all of our loyal patrons and fans.”