Pop group uses Steinway

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33612, 14 August 1974, Page 1

Pop group uses Steinway

The pop group, Jethro Tull, was allowed to use the Town Hall’s Steinway grand piano at its concert last evening, in spite of Town Hall policy forbidding the use of the Steinway at non-classical shows. The manager of the hall (Mr B. P. Connell) said last evening that he had allowed the Steinway to be used “to ensure the concert went ahead.” The Steinway was made off-limits to rock and other “non - cultural” performers after the top of it was damaged by a pop singer who danced on it. A Yamaha grand was given for lighter concerts. “The contract for this concert was signed and sealed in February this year before we got the Yamaha and it specifies that a Steinway should be provided,” said Mr Connell. “Jethro Tull used the Yamaha for their first concert on Monday, but representations were made today, and after I looked at the contract again I felt we were bound to provide the Steinway. “The Yamaha was actually ready to be used in about the second week of July, and we have told all New Zealand promoters that this is the only piano available for this sort of show. However, there are I think one or two concerts yet to come through where we will have to provide the Steinway.”