Attorney General's News Release

September 13, 2002

Nixon sues KC "Tournament of Rock" promoter who took entry fees from bands but did not give promised prizes

Jefferson City, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon today said he has filed a lawsuit against a promoter who last year advertised a rock concert in Kansas City with prizes of up to $25,000 but who failed to pay any prize money after collecting $500 entry fees from as many as 64 area bands.

Nixon is suing Terry Ray Nelson, the promoter of the "Tournament of Rock," which was to have been held last September and October at the Liberty Memorial. Nixon said Nelson collected the entry fees after promoting the concert as a 64-band, six-round contest with cash prizes of $500 to $25,000 for participating bands and minimum donations of $1,000 to be made to the music department of the high schools represented by each band.

Nelson cancelled the contest after the first day of competition, Nixon said, without providing any prize money or refunds and left Kansas City shortly thereafter. Nelson is believed to be in California currently.

"To paraphrase the words of the immortal Steve Miller Band, Terry Nelson took the money and ran," Nixon said. "He needs to repay these musicians who paid their money with the expectation they would be competing for prizes."

The lawsuit asks for restitution for all Missouri consumers who were financially injured by Nelson's actions, as well as any appropriate costs and penalties. Nixon said any band members who paid entry fees but who have not yet filed complaints with the Attorney General's Office should contact the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-392-8222 or obtain a complaint form.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818