Promoter’s Tax Problem Causes Riot At Concert

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30561, 2 October 1964, Page 7

Promoter’s Tax Problem Causes Riot At Concert

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright)

DALLAS, September 30. Tax officials said yesterday agents seized 8000 dollars in box office receipts from a Ray Charles concert because “someone other than” Charles owed back taxes. Four thousand fans rioted at the Memorial Auditorium on Monday night after it was announced Charles would not appear because he had not been paid. Windows and furniture worth 3000 dollars were smashed. A policeman was knocked out by a flying softdrink bottle. Mr Ellis Campbell, jun., district director of the Internal Revenue Service, said seizure of the receipts were to pay back taxes “owed by

someone connected with. the show.” Regulations forbade him to name the person who owed money, Mr Campbell said. There were reports it was one of the show’s minor promoters. Charles appeared on the stage at the intermission but did not perform. “Our contract calls for getting paid at the intermission,” said his agent, Mr T. McGarrity. “When we went to get our money we found it was locked up by the 1.R.5.” When it was announced Charles would not appear, a current of grumbling swept the audience. The announcer told the crowd, “If I were you, I would run to the box office and get my money back.”