Promoter Says CALIFORNIA METAL FEST Is '100% Confirmed' Despite Reports To Contrary

April 11, 2006

Ash Avildsen of Extreme Elite Booking & Productions, who is organizing the upcoming first annual California Metal Fest, has released a statement to BLABBERMOUTH.NET refuting an article published in today's edition of the Whittier Daily News which suggests that the owners of Rome Fine Dining in Uptown Whittier — where the concert is supposed to be taking place — never contracted the event.

According to the Whittier Daily News, Ricardo Bobdillia — manager of Rome Fine Dining — said festival organizers approached the club about the event, but no written deal was struck. Besides, the club can legally hold a maximum of 750 people, he added.

"I don't know what [Avildsen] is thinking," Bobdillia said, according to the Whittier Daily News. "We only have a 750 capacity. The Fire Department would shut us down so quick. What would we do with all those people on the streets?"

The first annual California Metal Fest is scheduled for May 13 and May 14, with a warm-up day May 12. More than 40 bands are expected to perfom at the event, including SUFFOCATION, NECROPHAGIST, CALIBAN, SWORN ENEMY and DARKEST HOUR.

Responding to the Whittier Daily News article, Ash Avildsen wrote in his statement, "California Metal Fest is 100% confirmed. If you'd like to verify for yourself, call the owner or manager of Club Rome.

"Can we promise that the fest will not sell out in advance? No. It was originally at the NOS Events Center in San Bernardino but because of the riots at the British Invasion punk [festival], we were forced to move to a smaller-capacity club. This is the conservative Whittier Daily News trying to bring bad press to an awesome event for extreme music fans.

"We have been promoting concerts for over six years and almost every band in hardcore and underground metal can verify that we are legit and excellent at putting on shows and festivals.

"I would like to thank the Whittier Daily News' slander for the great press for advanced ticket sales! No, you cannot get them through Ticketmaster. We have already put on plenty of succesful shows at Club Rome. The next one is on Monday, April 17th. The California Metal Fest just happens to have an incredible line-up over the course of one weekend.

"So yeah, it will probably sell out. If you want to make sure you have a spot to see an amazing line-up of bands in a very intimate setting on May 13th and 14th, then you should get your tickets in advance."

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