POISON Concert Leads Missouri Town Officials To Legislate Morality

Cliff Sain of Branson Daily News reports that a Branson, Missouri alderman on Monday (August 25) defended the city's right to legislate morality, prompting a resolution encouraging theaters to stick to family-oriented entertainment.

The resolution, which only expresses the opinion of the board, was passed, but met with a mixed reaction from a crowd of about 70 spectators — some calling the resolution unnecessary, and others upset it didn't go far enough.

The resolution, read by Alderman Jack Purvis, was created in response to complaints about a recent concert by rock band POISON at The Grand Palace.

Purvis said that the July concert by POISON concerned him because of reported behavior by both the band and crowd. He said he wants Branson theaters to establish "a code of ethics" to discourage future shows like POISON's.

"As a 35-year resident of Branson, I am very concerned when we have this kind of venue that crosses the line of decency and the family values we treasure here in Branson," Purvis said during a board of aldermen meeting.

Purvis, who did not attend the concert, started his discussion by referring to a letter by local pastor Jay Scribner, which was sent to several area newspapers, including the Branson Daily News. In the letter, Scribner said the concert included the constant use of obscenities from the stage, smoking by the band, audience and crew members, marijuana use by audience and crew, audience members throwing alcoholic beverages, and women exposing their chests and throwing bras on the stage.

"I have been able to confirm that the items listed in that letter did take place," Purvis said.

"The Board of Aldermen encourages Branson theater owners to offer to the public, entertainment which appeals to, and is suitable, for all family members regardless of age," Purvis read from the ordinance.

The resolution states the board "encourages theater owners to abide by all applicable public safety and public conduct ordinances."