Friday, 3rd July 2009
Moby party promoters offer compensation
Many were disappointed with the organisation of last week's concert featuring superstar DJ and musician Moby. The artiste did not, and fired up the crowd with some of his best known tunes. Photo: Paul Zammit Cutajar
The organisers of the concert by music superstar Moby are offering free tickets to their end-of-summer party to those who make a formal complaint about last week's event.
Hundreds of people who flocked to Gianpula fields on Sunday night complained that the experience was ruined by traffic congestion, parking problems and a shortage of bars.
They also complained that there was only one entrance for thousands of people and that those who had VIP tickets were only allowed access to one of the four VIP areas.
Almost 400 people joined a Facebook page named "Cream Live - Moby was the last one I'll ever attend" and people posted comments about their individual experiences.
Many complained they missed Moby's performance because of the traffic and others said they got in without their tickets being checked because the entrances were abandoned as soon as Moby's performance started.
Some insisted they would complain to the consumer watchdog and get their money back.
In response, organisers Cream Malta issued an apology on their own Facebook page, blaming the congested entrance on the joint traffic of the Malta Trade Fair and L-Imnarja feast.
"This created a major traffic jam and our system at the door was not equipped for so many people arriving at the event so late and all at the same time. This we apologise for."
The organisers pointed out that there was no negative feedback about the performances of the three acts: local world-music band Tribali, Moby and top deejay Deadmau5.
However, Cream Malta promised that all complaints would be listened to ensure that the same problems would not be repeated in future events.
"Cream Malta feels it should compensate those who did not get what they hoped for with a free ticket to our end-of-summer event, which will feature a top international artiste," they wrote.
People can send an e-mail to info@creammalta.com by July 9 with their name, phone number and address and the place they bought their ticket from and they will be mailed a free ticket.
People are encouraged to make their comments and suggestions.
"It's a pity that after doing our 100 per cent to make the event perfect, one oversight left a bitter taste in everyone's mouth, especially my own," organiser Michael Pace said, referring to the traffic problem and the fact that there was only one entrance.
When contacted, Rudi Vella, who set up the Facebook group to complain about the event, said he was not satisfied with the apology or the free ticket. Traffic had nothing to do with the trade fair or the feast, he insisted, adding that the organisers did not apologise about the entrance or the under-stocked and understaffed bars.
"I paid €40 to see Moby and not some other international artist who they promise to bring at the end of summer. I might be abroad or at work or simply not interested in the artiste," he said.
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Comments
It shows clearly that not enough thought was given for this event.
Past events held Tal-Qroqq University also resulted in a lot of complaints on the media not only from the immediate area, but also from Valleta and Floriana and from other parts on the other side of the island.
This is apart from people who should sue the organizers for disruption and others who will later on find that their hearing has gone or are experiencing difficulty due to the amount of power being used at such events.
I like many others will never set foot in that arena again and hence a more reasonable method of compensation is required - and again what about our unused drink vouchers will we get a refund for these.......?
Where are the authorities when the public is crying out loud for intervention?
I am expecting the police to take court action.