Digging Deeper: Rock Gone Wild Unfolds (Part 7)

The attorney representing Rock Gone Wild has not yet filed suit against Diamond Jo Casino in Northwood, Iowa. “The amount of paperwork is voluminous,” says attorney Ted Sporer.

Rock Gone Wild was supposed to start tomorrow. Instead, promoters canceled the event at the eleventh hour. They say it’s because Diamond Jo reneged on their end of the deal because of a land dispute. Mr. Sporer expects it will be at least another week before he files his initial paperwork. He also says the lawsuit process is a lengthy one. “This could take years,” Sporer admits.

Several Iowa news outlets reported that Mr. Sporer and Rock Gone Wild are suing Diamond Jo Casino for fraud.

As Bring Back Glam! first reported, there was never a signed contract between Rock Gone Wild and Diamond Jo Casino. Still, Mr. Sporer says the email exchange between both parties is an “enforceable promise.”

“The casino induced Rock Gone Wild to come and...then took advantage of the situation,” says Sporer. “My clients tried moving Heaven and Earth to get this to come off.”

Many music fans were planning to arrive at the festival grounds as early as today. The cancellation even stunned bands. Great White was scheduled to play Saturday. “This is a first,” says Great White guitarist Michael Lardie. “We’ve had other things fall out because the promoter decided to pull something because ticket sales were not what he anticipated, but this is big. You’re talking about a number of bands over a four day period. That’s pretty large. I don’t recall that ever happening before. Everybody was ready to be there and play.”

Ticket holders have been flocking to the Rock Gone Wild website to register their name and date of ticket purchase. Mr. Sporer says this is to stop dishonest rock fans from making multiple refund claims. The registration will also help festival officials compile a master “victim’s list” should one be needed in a  potential legal battle.

Sporer believes $450,000 worth of tickets were sold to the inaugural event.


Need a recap? Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6

Comments

[Brian]

So it has gone from a contract to an enforceable promise. Perfect.

[JB]

I have to wonder if part of this lawsuit is to make excuses to fans for lack of refunds. The ticket holders are going to be told they won't get money until the lawsuit wraps up, which according to council will be years. Perfect...

[Valentine]

What a crock of shit.

A judge is going to throw that stupid "defense" right out.

I hope RGW's lawyer got paid upfront.