As previously reported, MÖTLEY CRÜE performed at the Bayfest in Sarnia, Ontario on July 10th to almost 17,000 people, a show that generated controversy in the weeks before the event. The following is a letter to the editor of Sarnia's local newspaper, The Observer.

Apology Needed For The Mötley Crüe Concert

"Sir: What a mistake it was for Bayfest to book Motley Crue.

Attending the show with my 14-year-old daughter and my 12-year-old son, I had no doubt expected it to be a loud raucous event -- as rock concerts ought to be. However, what I didn't expect was for me and my family to be subjected to a steady stream of pornography, vulgarity and obscenity during the show.

Since when did it become "okay" to flash pornography (cleverly spliced together with images of Hitler and Bush -- very original) on three jumbo TV screens for two hours to an audience comprised mostly of minors? Are the laws of decency suspended for Bayfest? Are you telling me that city council doesn't have a problem with pornographic content being displayed to an underaged audience in a public park?

I can understand that organizers might not have any control over what a performer may say or do while on the stage. They do, however, have complete control over the video media that is to be shown during the event. The content of Motley Crue's show could have, and definitely should have, been previewed (and obviously disallowed) by the organizers. They failed to do so and ought to be held accountable for that. Aren't there fines for public indecency? At the very, very least, why not issue a prior warning to people about the graphic nature of the show? We do it for movies.

I feel equally sorry for the nearby residents who had to listen to profanity blaring through their window all evening long. That's embarrassing.

It's apparent that Bayfest has deteriorated over the years into a festival of "washed-up, has-been" headliners. If Motley Crue is the best act that these organizers can muster, we ought to be re-thinking the whole event. At some point, you have to weigh the value of public decency versus the money it generates for Mr. Stokley. There are thousands of better, more appropriate, acts out there. Sarnia deserves more than this.

Meanwhile, I spent the weekend trying to explain to my daughter and son what they saw and heard on Thursday night. Thanks guys. Good times.

The citizens of Sarnia are owed a public apology from the organizers of Bayfest (the Stokleys), Mayor Bradley and city council (minus Dave Boushy), following the performance by Motley Crue."

Grant Edwards

Sarnia

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