Live Nation cancels concert following suspected drug deaths

LOS ANGELES (CNS) - With Los Angeles County considering a ban on raves at its facilities in response to the deaths of two women who attended an electronic music festival in Pomona, concert promoter Live Nation has canceled a planned Sept. 10 concert at the Fairplex, Supervisor Hilda Solis announced Thursday.

Live Nation has also agreed to adhere to strict conditions -- including a 21-and-over age restriction -- for a two-day concert planned at the Fairplex on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1.

"We continue to study this issue and the propriety of continuing to hold such events on county property,'' Solis said. "We are considering additional health and safety measures. We are also considering the creation of a specialized task force that will include health and safety representatives from the county's departments of Public Health, Health Services, Fire and Sheriff.''

According to Solis, Live Nation has opted to cancel the planned A Night At Fairplex concert that was set for Sept. 10.

The concert promoter will also adhere to stepped-up security and attendance guidelines for the HARD Day of the Dead two-day event beginning on Oct. 31, Solis said. For that event:
-- attendance will be limited to 40,000 per day;
-- only people at least 21 years old will be admitted;
-- cooling stations, shaded areas, misting stations and the availability of free water will be increased;
-- anti-drug messages will be distributed in consultation with county health officials;
-- hours will be reduced;
-- security and medical services will be increased; and
-- parking fees will be included in the price of the ticket to protect surrounding neighborhoods.

Solis, whose district includes the Pomona area, introduced a motion earlier this month following the suspected drug-related deaths of Tracy Nguyen, 18, and Katie Dix, 19, who both attended the HARD Summer Music Festival at the Fairplex. The motion called on the county to explore the possibility of banning electronic music festivals on county property.

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