Legal action between music promoter Richard Beck and Australian Grand Prix over 2020 Robbie Williams concert cancelled by Covid
A music promoter who was previously offered a $1 settlement for the last-minute cancellation of a Robbie Williams concert is suing the organizers of the Australian Grand Prix for $8.7 million.
Williams came to Melbourne to headline the 2020 race despite fears over the growing global Covid outbreak.
But just 30 minutes before the race was due to start on Friday, March 13, then Prime Minister Daniel Andrews banned fans from attending.
A promoter is suing Australian Grand Prix operators for $8.7 million over the last-minute cancellation of a concert featuring British pop star Robbie Williams
However, the following evening saw a busy concert with British band New Order at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne.
The Australian Grand Prix Corporation previously rejected a $4.8 million settlement offer from promoter Richard Beck over the canceled Williams concert, instead offering just $1.
The tour company is now seeking $7.6 million for costs incurred by canceling the Williams concert and another $1.1 million in lost profits and interest.
The case will be heard in the Victorian Supreme Court for hearings from May 27 to June 13.
Mr Beck is also suing the Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) for $25 million in a separate action being taken in London for ‘frustration of the contract’.
This follows a stalled deal to put forward music stars for future Grand Prix’s.
However, Mr. Beck is still holding out an olive branch to avoid lawsuits.
‘There is a perfect opportunity to start over,” he said.
“We have an existing live music partnership agreement with the Australian Grand Prix Corporation.
“It’s probably in a filing cabinet in his (CEO Travis Auld) office.”
Mr Beck said he could help Mr Auld in his stated ambition to… The Melbourne Grand Prix will be the biggest F1 race in the world.
The promoter is also suing over a deal he claims was made with Australian GP to release more musical acts
“You know, if he (Travis) is going to talk about doing all these festivals and cutting back on global talent, then that’s exactly the deal we have,” he shared.he Herald Sun.
He said he could bring bigger names than the Australian bands that performed at the event, such as Jet, Empire Of The Sun and Amy Shark.
Mr Auld said he could not comment on the case because it was before the courts.