…says negotiation underway with artiste to hold free show 

Nigel Harding the promoter of the botched Mash Explosion which saw angry patrons demolishing $$M in audio equipment is issuing a public apology to the patrons for what he called a delay in getting the artistes to the National Park.

The delay was caused by late payment to the artistes Anthony B and Baby Cham who did reach the venue at about 02:00hrs

Harding conceded that the artistes were supposed to take the stage at 12:00 but because of the nonpayment this did not happen until 02:00hrs when Anthony B attempted to calm the crowd but the audio system had already been damaged and the microphone was not working.

He added also that the owners of the audio equipment have been compensated however this newspaper understands that only a promise has been made thus far.

As it relates to his rendezvous at the Alberttown Police Station Harding said that he was invited by the police and thought it best to meet there after the owners of the equipment that was damaged had lodged a complaint and he was unsure as to the level of hostility against them.      

He said that contrary to rumours there were no threats on his life.

At the beginning of the show there were no signs of worries as local artistes performed but the extended music on speakers by DJ’s brought on suspicions.

When it was realised that the headline acts would be a no show the angry patrons began to ransack the bars claiming that they had to get their money’s worth but it did not end there.

The angry patrons amidst a hail of bottles began damaging the audio equipment including speakers and band equipment among other items.

However, according to a reliable source, the ruckus started just as the artistes were about to appear on stage having worked out a financial arrangement with the promoter.  

It is unclear if anyone was arrested as gunshots could be heard ringing out in the air with police at their wits end to restore order.

Sources within the Vizion Sounds promotion Inc. distanced themselves from what triggered the chaos, pointing out that they were merely hired by Harding of ‘7 Star Entertainment’ to help promote the show and were not responsible for the payment to the artistes.