Hedley fans offered ticket exchange for Wednesday’s show
St. Catharines concert hall The Warehouse is giving Hedley fans who are torn over Wednesday’s concert at Meridian Centre another option.
With allegations of sexual misconduct dogging the Canadian band during its recent tour, some local fans are opting for refunds and posting angry responses online. On Sunday, The Warehouse posted an offer to jilted fans on its Facebook page — exchange your Hedley ticket, or even show proof of a refund, and get into that night’s Shred Kelly show for free.
Manager Erik Dickson says it’s a way to squeeze something positive out of what has turned into a bittersweet night for local Hedley fans.
“I know it’s not the same show — different band, different environment — but we’re in a position to say ‘Hey, we’re doing a concert that night, too.’ If you were really looking forward to seeing music that night, this is a way to make up for it.”
Hedley and lead singer Jacob Hoggard have faced a barrage of backlash since allegations against the band, one involving a 14-year-old fan, started surfacing online in February.
The band was swiftly dropped by its management company, and had its music pulled off radio playlists across the country. A scheduled performance at the Juno Awards on March 25 was also cancelled.
Last week, Niagara singer Jessica Wilson announced she is declining a chance to perform a song — won in a contest by 105.7 EZ Rock — with the band during Wednesday’s show.
Hedley has called the allegations “simply unsubstantiated,” but in a Facebook post last week, Hoggard admitted he has “behaved in a way that objectified women” over the past 13 years.
On Twitter last Thursday, St. Catharines Mayor Walter Sendzik said he was “very disturbed” by stories surrounding Hedley: “The city has a contract for management of the (Meridian Centre) and all decisions about shows are made by the facility, promoter and band.
“I am disappointed but the mayor does not have the authority to cancel a concert.”
Meridian Centre director of marketing Kay Meilleur said the concert’s status is “unchanged,” and the arena will “take direction” from promoter Live Nation.
A local organization called SaferGigs Niagara has organized a protest outside of Meridian Centre starting at 5:30 p.m.
Only one venue has cancelled a performance during the tour, Caesars Windsor casino. Dickson stressed he is not criticizing the arena for cancelling the show, since it’s a costly process which could affect future relations with Live Nation, who have “you could almost say a monopoly on arena tours in Canada.
Shred Kelly, a melodic folk/rock band from Fernie, B.C., hit the stage at The Warehouse (11 Geneva St.) at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $10. www.ticketfly.com