Spark Me Up: Stones flout ban at O2 concert

*AndyK* · 23 Aug 2007, 16:34

Looks like The Stones are still rebelling in their old age

From The Daily Telegraph

The Rolling Stones will not be prosecuted despite repeatedly flouting the smoking ban during their first concert on home soil since the new law.

Although Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood lit up time after time on stage at the O2 Arena in London on Tuesday night, Greenwich borough council said nothing could be done because fans at the 23,000-capacity venue had not objected.

The council said it had warned them not to smoke on stage.

Tony Harrison, 46, from Southampton, Hants, said: "Ronnie played with a fag hanging out of his mouth as usual.

"Meanwhile Keith lit up time after time. It's what they have always done and it seems the new law is not going to change that.

"They may be older but I guess their sense of rebellion is still there if they are still defying the law."

Tuesday's concert was the first of three nights at the O2 at the conclusion of their Bigger Bang world tour.

The band had been warned they faced a £50 penalty every time they lit up, but with tickets selling at up to £150 each, this was unlikely to have been of great concern.

The venue could also be fined £2,500 for failing to stop them.

After the show, a Greenwich spokesman said: "We have reminded the O2 of their obligation to enforce the smoking legislation. We are satisfied with the assurances they have provided that this will not recur."

Under the new laws some performers are allowed to smoke on stage, "where the artistic integrity of a performance makes it appropriate for a person to smoke".

But officials said the Stones did not fall into this category.

Ageing Bat · 23 Aug 2007, 16:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndyK

After the show, a Greenwich spokesman said: "We have reminded the O2 of their obligation to enforce the smoking legislation. We are satisfied with the assurances they have provided that this will not recur."

So are O2 going to send a security guard on stage to remove the offending fag and issue a warning?

I somehow doubt it!

*AndyK* · 23 Aug 2007, 16:58

Quote:

Under the new laws some performers are allowed to smoke on stage, "where the artistic integrity of a performance makes it appropriate for a person to smoke".

But officials said the Stones did not fall into this category.

I'd say they do fall into this category ... seeing Keith or Ronnie with out the trademark ciggie dangling from their bottom lip would be like Meat going on stage without the red hankie!

**RadioMaster** · 23 Aug 2007, 17:35

"where the artistic integrity of a performance makes it appropriate for a person to smoke".
I wonder what the guy who made that sentecne up had smoked

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ageing Bat

So are O2 going to send a security guard on stage to remove the offending fag and issue a warning?

Or they'll just send a text message

Ageing Bat · 23 Aug 2007, 18:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by RadioMaster

Or they'll just send a text message

Almost funny

Blackkat13 · 23 Aug 2007, 20:52

Wow thats funny I mean if they done it for years why stop now. I can see keith richards with a line of nicoten patchs on his arm can you.

*AndyK* · 24 Aug 2007, 12:36

My eldest brother saw the Stones at the O2 last night, got this from him in an email this morning ... (I've cut out the bits where he gloats about him being there and me not)

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndyK's Big Brother

... best bit of the evening, Mick does band intros, finishes with introduction of Keef who ambles up to the mike, says ‘May as well get busted’ and lights up grinning wildly into the audience

Gotta love Keef

23 Aug 2007, 16:34	#1
AndyK Relentless Join Date: 21.11.2003 Location: Over the top..... seeing what's on the other side Posts: 18,694	Spark Me Up: Stones flout ban at O2 concert Looks like The Stones are still rebelling in their old age From The Daily Telegraph The Rolling Stones will not be prosecuted despite repeatedly flouting the smoking ban during their first concert on home soil since the new law. Although Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood lit up time after time on stage at the O2 Arena in London on Tuesday night, Greenwich borough council said nothing could be done because fans at the 23,000-capacity venue had not objected. The council said it had warned them not to smoke on stage. Tony Harrison, 46, from Southampton, Hants, said: "Ronnie played with a fag hanging out of his mouth as usual. "Meanwhile Keith lit up time after time. It's what they have always done and it seems the new law is not going to change that. "They may be older but I guess their sense of rebellion is still there if they are still defying the law." Tuesday's concert was the first of three nights at the O2 at the conclusion of their Bigger Bang world tour. The band had been warned they faced a £50 penalty every time they lit up, but with tickets selling at up to £150 each, this was unlikely to have been of great concern. The venue could also be fined £2,500 for failing to stop them. After the show, a Greenwich spokesman said: "We have reminded the O2 of their obligation to enforce the smoking legislation. We are satisfied with the assurances they have provided that this will not recur." Under the new laws some performers are allowed to smoke on stage, "where the artistic integrity of a performance makes it appropriate for a person to smoke". But officials said the Stones did not fall into this category.

23 Aug 2007, 20:52	#6
Blackkat13 Mega Loafer Join Date: 30.07.2006 Location: Hell, Michigan Posts: 1,989	Wow thats funny I mean if they done it for years why stop now. I can see keith richards with a line of nicoten patchs on his arm can you.