(Classic Rock) The organizer of a competition to find a support act for Iron Maiden's upcoming show in Johannesburg, South Africa, has denied that it was rigged.
Little-known Joburg band Jasper Dan were picked from a batch of 28 hopefuls who entered a battle-of-the-bands event called Battle For Iron Maiden and handed the opportunity to open for Maiden at Carnival City Festival Lawns in Johannesburg this coming Saturday (May 21).
But established bands and music experts in South Africa are up in arms over the decision, accusing the competition organizers of corruption. The controversy surrounds the fact that Jasper Dan have never released any music and played hardly any gigs before those held as part of Battle For Iron Maiden.
Questions have also been asked over how much money organizers Big Concerts made from the Battle For Iron Maiden events and where the money ended up. Simon Foulds of Big Concerts was interviewed on Gary Cool's Republic Of Rock show on TeamRock Radio and defended the judges' decision in picking Jasper Dan from a shortlist of six acts in the final. He also insisted the proceeds were used to host the various heats and final of the competition.
Foulds says: "It's pretty simple, the band went on stage and met all the criteria and were the best band on the night. The bands weren't paid and they knew that. The prize was the Iron Maiden gig and the bands were told that from the beginning. They all knew what the deal was." Read more here.
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