Press Release
We, Fabulous German Entertainment GmbH from Lübeck, were tasked with organizing a Germany tour for the blues/rock guitarist Johnny Winter from the USA, scheduled from 30 June to 18 July 2003. After the first fully sold-out concert in Leipzig, the artist, along with his entourage, secretly left the city in the middle of the night, thus forcing the cancellation of the tour. This included the next day's show in Ulm, which was also sold out. However, on the artist's website and in official press releases from his U.S. management, we are being held responsible for the tour's abrupt end.
Fabulous German Entertainment GmbH would like to clarify the following regarding the cancellation of the German tour of U.S. artist Johnny Winter:
- All contractual obligations requested by Johnny Winter's management were meticulously met by Fabulous German Entertainment GmbH (including bus setup, payments, catering, etc.).
- The artist received all agreed-upon advance payments. The remaining agreed payment for upcoming shows in Germany was duly made on Monday, 30 June 2003.
- The contract between Johnny Winter and Fabulous German Entertainment GmbH began on Monday, 30 June 2003, with the concert at the Anker venue in Leipzig. We were not involved in any previous issues in Switzerland or Austria.
- The transportation was provided in a highly equipped nightliner bus by Coach Service GmbH, a company recognized as one of the leading providers in Europe with experienced and reliable drivers.
- The backline was professionally handled by the company Backline & More GmbH, represented by Mr. Hans Ostendorf, which enjoys an excellent reputation across Europe.
- For accommodation in Leipzig, the exclusive Westin Hotel was booked. Importantly, no complaints or requests were made to us, our tour manager, or the bus driver. The Australian support act, Gwyn Ashton, who is friends with Johnny Winter’s bassist and crew members, also praised the Leipzig event.
Therefore, we are at a loss as to why Johnny Winter or his management decided to cancel the rest of the tour. Mr. Günter Schubert of Anker e.V. also confirmed that the Leipzig event went smoothly, with no issues, and that the artist’s comfort and safety were fully ensured with the highest level of staff support.
The claim by Johnny Winter's manager, Teddy Slatus, that they tried everything to avoid disappointing fans is entirely false. The only request from the management was for a new bus with additional features, a request that, after days of effort, we were able to fulfill. Due to the high season and despite inquiries across Europe, a new bus could only be provided by 3 July 2003, which was confirmed as acceptable by the artist's agent, Bruce Houghten of Skyline Music, in writing on Sunday, 29 June 2003. The tour was planned to end on 20 July 2003, and the new bus would have been available for the remainder of the tour.
We agreed to cover the additional costs of around €3,000, despite having no contractual obligation to do so. Since 16 June 2003, the U.S. management had been provided with the floor plan of the current bus, including all its features, and had the contact details of the bus company. Both the bus company and we adhered to all the contracted specifications. The U.S. management had ample time to discuss any special requirements with us or the bus company since 16 June 2003. At no time was the health or well-being of the artist at risk.
We have filed a criminal complaint with the Economic Crime Division in Lübeck. The police are investigating.
Tickets already purchased can be returned at the respective presale points where they were bought. We deeply regret that Johnny Winter's tour was canceled in such a mysterious manner, but all our efforts were met with deaf ears by U.S. manager Teddy Slatus, which culminated in a tirade of abusive language, showcasing the unprofessionalism of this individual. A corresponding audio recording has been secured. At no point during the tour preparation phase were our efforts criticized by the U.S. management. As a result, we cannot comprehend the artist’s overnight departure from Leipzig with an unknown bus to an unknown destination.
To protect our interests, we will file a lawsuit in the U.S.
Mr. Jens Michow, attorney from Hamburg, states: "Based on the information we have, there is no justifiable reason for the U.S. management to cancel the tour. Such a sudden termination of the tour is incomprehensible to us at this time." This opinion is also shared by Mr. Schlegel of the Lübeck police department.
Fabulous German Entertainment GmbH
