CCE Red Rocks Deal On Hold

Although Denver Mayor Wellington Webb supports Clear Channel Entertainment's plan to have first right of refusal on practically all Red Rocks dates through 2008 (CelebrityAccess, Aug. 24), the issue has been stalled after city officials postponed a hearing to further scrutinize it.

According to the Rocky Mountain News Clear Channel has guaranteed the city a net of at least $640,000 annually and a minimum of 12 shows per year at the amphitheatre. Clear Channel promoted 24 shows there this season.

According to the proposed deal, 34 days would be open to other promoters during the May 1 to Sept. 30 shed season. Clear Channel would have the rest. The paper reports that its competitors, primarily House of Blues and Noboby In Particular Presents, could ask for one of those dates by putting up $20,000 and a signed contract from a band; Clear Channel would have 48 hours to match.

"They've got things in there that are so odious it's a joke," said Barry Fey, head of House of Blues' Denver operations.