Whinging Edinburgh Fringe boss wants BAN on mega gigs like Oasis at Murrayfield

Scottish Sun

a day ago

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AN Edinburgh Fringe chief has called for huge concerts like Oasis to be banned in August to "protect" the annual festivities.
The Brit Pop icons attracted more than 200,000 fans to Murrayfield Stadium over three nights this month.
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Fringe Society chief executive Tony Lankester has called for an end to huge concerts in Edinburgh in August
Credit: Edinburgh Fringe
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Over 200,000 Oasis fans flocked to Murrayfield for the band's three Murrayfield shows
Credit: Mark Ferguson
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Liam Gallagher claimed the band and their fans have pumped "£3billion" into the city
Credit: Getty
Rock legends AC/DC will also take to the stage in the capital next week.
But the Fringe Society said such events are placing "unnecessary pressure" on the city during the long-running cultural extravaganza.
Tony Lankester, chief executive of the Fringe Society, also blamed the Murrayfield shows for "massively increasing" accommodation and travel costs.
He told The Herald: "Having large concerts staged at the same time as the Fringe is not something we would actively encourage.
"We don't believe it results in an optimal experience for either concert-goers or Fringe-goers, putting, as it does, unnecessary pressure on an already busy city.
"One consequence is that it results in massively increased demand for travel and accommodation which drives up the prices for everyone, including the concert organisers and fans.
"However, decisions around the timing of large touring concerts are largely outside of the control of the Fringe, the city, and even the concert promoters.
"If concerts are planned during August in future we will do what we can to protect the Fringe experience, and find ways of working with all stakeholders, including the concert organisers, to make the experience as positive as possible."
The Fringe Society claimed on-the-day ticket sales plummeted by £150,000 last weekend compared to the same three days last year.
Mr Lankester added: "I think the drop in on-the-day sales over the weekend is totally down to Oasis.
Joyous moment Scots schoolgirl dances to favourite Oasis song outside packed Murrayfield gig
"Prior to this weekend, our advance and on-the-day sales have been up for every day of the festival so far."
Last night, Oasis wrapped up the Scottish leg of their huge comeback tour.
Frontman Liam Gallagher took another pop at City of Edinburgh Council bosses.
He also claimed the band and their fans had pumped £3billion into the capital over the three shows.
Gallagher said: "£3billion we've brought into this city over the past five days. And that's between you and us. Three billion f quid.
"You won't see f*** all, because they'll rob it and spread it among their posh ugly mates.
"Still waiting for our apology, bring it on down, you c***s."
It was the third time the iconic singer had blasted the council during the three concerts.
On Friday evening, he demanded an apology from the council and branded officials "f*****g slags."
On Saturday night, the Cigarettes And Alcohol singer aimed another sweary rant at the local authority, saying they have "the cheek" to make comments about his fans.
We previously told how council officials claimed that Oasis fans would mainly be "rowdy", "middle-aged men" who "take up more room" and will drink to "medium to high intoxication".
They added that they thought the revellers would pose a risk to the capital's Fringe.
He wasn't the only one to call out the council for their comments.
Richard Ashcroft, who was one of the acts supporting the brothers, also took a swipe at officials.
As he warmed up the crowd on Friday night, he took a dig at town hall execs, which was met with cheers by fans.
The Verve frontman said: "I think the council need to take a picture of this crowd.'