THERION Mainman Explains Winnipeg Cancellation

Sweden's THERION have been forced to cancel their previously announced dates in Winnipeg (September 5) and New Orleans (September 19). The band's mainman, Christofer Johnsson, has issued the following statement regarding the Winnipeg cancellation:

"We're sorry that no better info was given about the cancellation, but we don't always have Internet access to update the site so quickly. Formally, it's of course only the job of the promoter to inform.

"The story of why Winnipeg got cancelled is long and complicated, so let's do the short version.

"The pre-sales of tickets was pretty weak in western Canada and the walk-up (people buying ticket at the door) wasn't splendid either. BUT, we've had GREAT enthusiastic crowds and fun concerts and promoters have said they're happy to have us back even though some of them lost some dollars on the show. So it's been cool so far anyway.

"However, Edmonton, Calgary and Winnipeg have the same promoter and with the weak pre-sales he wanted to cancel them as he estimated a loss on all three of them, which would be a bit tough. By making a new deal that excluded Winnipeg we managed to save the other two which was the best thing to do both from our own and from the promoter's point of view. So in the end, the reason for the cancellation is too low interest in THERION in this city. That is, of course, sad, but given the fact that we actually have 9 shows in Canada on the schedule (more than most bands) we unfortunatly have to count with that this could happen at some place. The pre-sales I've ssen from eastern Canada is looking good though, so the risk of anything simular happening again would be extremely small.

"We think the fans we have in Winnipeg would have been a great crowd even if being small in numbers, but what happened could not be avoided. Hopefully some of you have the chance to travel and see us somewhere else."