Ovation Productions disputes ‘malicious claims’ about James Taylor concert cancellation

The promoters behind "James Taylor and His All-Star Band in Concert" on Thursday addressed the claims that poor ticket sales were the real reason for the cancellation of the event.

Renen De Guia, President and CEO of Ovation Productions, wrote a lengthy post on Facebook denying the "malicious rumors" and explained that "a seating plan layout from ticket seller’s website doesn’t show a full picture."

James Taylor on December 21 announced the cancellation on his social media accounts and websites, citing his "deep concern" about the "summary executions of suspected offenders without trial or judicial process", which he called "unacceptable."

Prominent online figures who openly declare support for the Duterte administration reacted to Taylor's statement with doubts and began speculating that poor ticket sales led to the event falling through.

Some claimed that only 52 tickets were sold, which was quickly disproved by the seating plan available at the SM Tickets website.

De Guia in his post asserted that the "sales was good, the buzz was strong, the market was very enthusiastic, we were getting lots of reservations, also lots of requests for complimentary tickets."

"James Taylor was a pretty strong attraction considering that he has a wide audience crossing over from baby boomers to Generation X and maybe even some millennials influenced by their parents," he added.

He further said that the seating plan does not show the "full picture" of ticket sales, explaining that the younger generation prefer to purchase early, but the older generation are more likely to buy tickets two weeks before the event.

"It is only young people who buy as soon as artists announce their upcoming concert. Young fans know that tickets could sellout in minutes due to online selling so they buy early," De Guia claimed.

He pointed to a natural "defense mechanism" to explain the negative response on social media, comparing those affected by the cancellation with "jilted lovers who just got dumped."

"We appeal to those spreading malicious rumors to please be more considerate," De Guia said.

"James Taylor made a political statement; Ovation Productions did its part to make him change his mind and in the end, we have to respect his decision as he has his own personal reasons for doing so. We do not engage in any political discussion," he added. —Aya Tantiangco/KG, GMA News