A Canadian concert promoter is suing Aerosmith for $6-million, alleging it lost money after the U.S. rock band cancelled dates across western Canada last year and failed to reschedule the shows.
Keystone Entertainment Group Ltd.'s four-page statement of claim, filed this month with the Alberta Court of Queen's Bench in Calgary, names as defendants band members Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Brad Whitford, Joey Kramer and Tom Hamilton as well as their managers, agents and the band's corporate arm, Vindaloo Music Inc.
The lawsuit alleges that the legendary rockers approached Calgary-based Keystone in 2008 to manage concerts for Aerosmith's 2009 summer tour in Winnipeg, Regina, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver. According to court documents, a contract was reached that would see the band paid $1.25-million (U.S.) per concert in addition to 90 per cent of all tour profits, which was projected to be worth more than $10-million.
But two days before the scheduled Winnipeg concert, Tyler, the band's frontman, tumbled from a stage in South Dakota, reportedly injuring his head, neck and shoulder. The band scrubbed the rest of its tour of Western Canada.
According to the lawsuit, subsequent approaches by Keystone to reschedule the shows were ignored. "To date, Keystone has received no response or acceptance from Aerosmith," the lawsuit alleges. "As a result of the breach of Aerosmith," it continues, "Keystone has suffered damages, losses and expenses."
The lawsuit outlines costs associated with financing charges, debt servicing, marketing and equipment rental as well as losses from ticket sales and potential profits. Keystone claims it lost at least $1.3-million in profit.
Aerosmith recently announced its North American "Cocked, Locked, Ready To Rock Tour" for this summer. Its only Canadian date is Aug. 17 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto.
None of the allegations have been proven in court. No statements of defence have been filed.
Last February, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers filed a lawsuit against Keystone, alleging the Canadian Football League franchise incurred almost $100,000 in expenses planning for Aerosmith's concert, which was scheduled for last August at Canad Inns Stadium. It also said it lost money it would have made from concessions, parking and ticketing commissions.
