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CFD hastens to replace Matchbox Twenty

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CHEYENNE - Approximately 4,000 Matchbox Twenty tickets will have to be refunded after the band announced its decision to cancel its scheduled July 18 performance at Cheyenne Frontier Days.

Contract Acts Committee chairman Joe Lopez said CFD has made a commitment to getting those refunds out without any problems.

So far, he said, the phones have been busy, but callers have been "comfortable" with receiving their full refunds, and there haven't been any issues.

Second only to getting out refunds is CFD's commitment to finding a replacement for the opening-night slot, Lopez said.

He expects to be able to make an announcement about the replacement act by the end of this week or early next week.

The closing night act also has been booked, but Lopez said he cannot reveal who will be performing yet. That announcement is expected in the next day or two, he said.

Although an official comment from Matchbox Twenty about the reason for the decision to cancel had not been given by press time Wednesday, the band apparently cited animal abuse concerns at the rodeo as its explanation.

In 2006, American Idol winner Carrie Underwood canceled her CFD appearance, also citing animal abuse concerns.

Whether the concerns will hinder the booking of other acts in the future is unknown, said Lopez.

Both Lopez and Charlie West, the general chairman for CFD, said until they get confirmation that Matchbox Twenty canceled because of the videos that SHARK - SHowing Animals Respect and Kindness - recorded of alleged animal abuse, they will not speak about the frustrations that the issue may bring in the future.

"We're in the dark on a lot of this," West said Wednesday.

Lopez said he is working to get an "honest answer" from Romeo Entertainment Group - the promoter for the concert - about the band's rationale for pulling out.

A spokeswoman at Romeo Entertainment Group, Margaret Ryan, said Bob Romeo got an e-mail from the band Tuesday evening that said the band's manager advised that the date must be canceled. No further explanation was given, Ryan said.

She added that Romeo is meeting with his attorneys and "looking into what his course of action might be here."

Lopez and West expressed their disappointment and frustration with Matchbox Twenty's decision.

"If they were that concerned, they should have stated that at the time (of booking)," Lopez said.

As of press time Wednesday, a Matchbox Twenty spokesman had no comment about the cancellation.

Reader Comments

sara wrote on Apr 17, 2008 6:15 PM:

" oh good call Snoopdog would be fun to see at CFD...

"

Wild west wrote on Apr 17, 2008 5:36 PM:

" Who cares. CFD is doing a great job and all the Calidorkians can stay home ~ just remember as you sit under your nice comfy umbrella on a nice quiet night overlooking the ocean that the suculant steak or the juicy cheeseburger you are eating, probably came from Wyoming. Oh, and the natural gas that keeps your homes nice and cool is piped from this state, too. Lets turn off the gas valves and keep the cattle right here. Oh, I bet you will be screaming to get your pools heated and your AC back on! "

Stephanie wrote on Apr 17, 2008 1:08 PM:

" Mr. McCall-

Yes, I agree...let's try honesty. Here's the facts for you:

Attendance at CFD last year was only 60% of what it is on average. It has declined every year since the 100 year anniversary. What do you suppose it will be this year? 50% or even 40%?

So, you should take your own advice:

"Unless you try throwing some honesty at this thing you are bound to lose."

Ask yourself why people aren't coming? Do you really think you're going to convince anyone the video footage is all a lie?

Is the footage from the National Finals Rodeo (http://youtube.com/watch?v=3h9T6cdT034) also a fake?

What about the video from the Oregon Rodeo (http://youtube.com/watch?v=6r8lj_yzdVw)? Did they get an acting steer to fake a death for them?

We should all be honest Mr. McCall...this isn't left wing-propaganda...this is just education of the reality of what rodeo has become.

A few small changes and enforcement of rules, and the rodeo we once knew is back! It's really not that hard... "

Stephanie wrote on Apr 17, 2008 11:45 AM:

" Cyndi-

Money Hungry?? SHARK is a non-profit organization! Are you familiar with those?

The man DROVE from Illinois to Wyoming...he operates on donations.

Yes, Mr. Hindi and Janet are extreme. They have a number of alarming posts on youtube.com that make most of us either gag or cry. But the man got our attention, didn't he?

Obviously that's what it took...

How many of us really new horses were being shocked? I've been to hundreds of rodeos and from the stands you can't tell. Until SHARK cameras caught them and showed us....

And it's obviously against the rules, otherwise those cowboys wouldn't be HIDING the devices in their pockets, now would they?

SHARK truly CARES about animals. It's a new trend sweeping the United States...humanity towards animals. Wyoming made a step in the right direction by passing HB 46, and I just hope they'll think long and hard about the decisions they'll make regarding this rodeo. Truly, your rodeo's future depends on it. You don't, and you can change the name from Cheyenne Frontier Days, to Cheyenne City Fair!! "

Cheyenne Native wrote on Apr 17, 2008 11:20 AM:

" To Wyoming Native-

Perhaps you should check your facts...this is a quote from a personal email received this morning from Representative Gingerly who backed the bill to change the penalty for dogfighting from a misdemeanor to a felony:

'House Bill 46 goes into effect July 1, 2008. Most criminal statutes are usually implemented as of July 1, so that there is a consistent date for all criminal statutes.'

Congrats to Mr. Gingerly for that!

So currently dogfighting in Wyoming is INDEED a misdemeanor! Now who is uninformed?

And about my not being a native, I encourage you to read the posts from natives such as myself who are digusted with CFD. Having a conscience and concern for animals does not make me SHARK propoganda...it makes me human. I am a product of Bain Elementary, JJH and CHS. Questions?

I am FROM Wyoming, and won't take my family back to CFD until rodeo is a respectable family event! Mr. Hindi is trying to help you accomplish that...you ought to try listening to the man...until then every time I 'miss' rodeo I'll remind myself what rodeo has become on youtube.com! "

Mr. McCall wrote on Apr 17, 2008 8:33 AM:

" Sporker:

What impact does it really have if a one-sided, left-wing publication prints a “SHARK” propaganda piece? Only people who already agree with you will read it and go, “Yeah!”

That’s not going to get you anywhere. Folks like me don’t waste time reading left-wing propaganda and we sure aren’t going to be influenced by it. And without our support, your side will always be stuck in the mud.

It’s all bunk and lies and it won’t work. CFD is here to stay. Unless you try throwing some honesty at this thing you are bound to lose.

Oh, and please don’t do the selective cut and paste job on this one. Quote me accurately; or, are you afraid to?
"

Cyndi wrote on Apr 16, 2008 7:21 PM:

" CFD was not caught with their pants down.SHARK is a money hungry busy body instution who tries to tell people how and what they can or cannot do.CFD has been around for over 100years now and we the people of the western hertiage are fighting back.Liberals,animal so called activists stay out of our nighborhoods!!The animals at the CFD rodeo are not being inhumainly hurt,in fact they are very well taken care of after each event by vets and the people who are watching over them at night.Where is SHARK or any of you?Take care of your dull life and let the west stay as it is and has been for this long.You don't like us STAY away we don't want your kind,period!!! "

Larry Craig wrote on Apr 16, 2008 3:13 PM:

" To quote: "Keep the hypocrites out of Wyoming!"

I agree, get all them "Cowboys" out of the state. It's making us look hoakey. Face it Caucasions, your being bred out. Viva la raza! "

To Wyoming Native wrote on Apr 16, 2008 11:36 AM:

" I don't really think you're a native, but if you are you are sadly misinformed. HB 46, a bill making dogfighting a felony was passed by the legislature and signed by the Governor last month. Your post is just more uninformed Shark propoganda. "

Stay Away wrote on Apr 16, 2008 7:04 AM:

" Great Job CFD Committee! This is an awesome opportunity to re-evaluate the type of entertain offered during this event and the demographic you are trying to attract to Frontier Days. Personally I feel that these are exactly the type of people we want to keep out of Wyoming. Look at what they have done to their own states. Most of the places these activist come from are riddled with gangs, drugs, and crime from one end to the other. Bi-products of the agendas they force on society.

We should have events and policies that offend more people. Send a message to the world that if you don't like our lifestyle and traditions here then stay out! Maybe they will boycott our natural gas or coal to heat their houses. They can stop raping our natural resources and they will become cheaper for the residents here. I doubt it though. They are only concerned about getting attention for themselves, not real issues.

Keep the hypocrites out of Wyoming! "

Oh well wrote on Apr 15, 2008 3:01 PM:

" Why does it matter if they cancel heck CFD got out of a bad deal is the way I see it. Its just matchbox twenty, its not like it was some big time band. "

Cheyenne Native wrote on Apr 15, 2008 9:12 AM:

" Yeah - not only should you worry about the wolves, but what is crime for Dog Fighting in the state of Wyoming? Not a felony...just a misdemeanor in Wyoming...only state in the union where Dog Fighting is NOT a felony! Proud to be FROM Wyoming!! "

walt wrote on Apr 14, 2008 7:00 PM:

" i hope they dont find out we can shoot wolves here to "

Last Box of DUDS wrote on Apr 14, 2008 6:16 PM:

" Do not hasten to much you could end up with another dud although you did make interest off the money that you got because you did'nt have to pay for the last box of duds that were not worth TWENTY "

JJ wrote on Apr 14, 2008 11:31 AM:

" How much integrity does it show to cancel on only 1 of the rodeo's they are scheduled to play at? Integrity is not something that can be turned on and off whenever one wants. If the band had integrity they would cancel all of their gigs which are at events that include rodeo. This is a publicity stunt, pure and simple! 2 thumbs down to MB20. "

Rena Rose wrote on Apr 13, 2008 10:59 PM:

" It's time to ditch this ridiculous old western tradition. It is abuse any way you look at it. It is different to saddle up and ride a horse who enjoys being ridden but to tie a leather strap around an animals nut sack so that it becomes so angry about the pain that is caused and has to thrash and buck until someone releases the pressure is completely barbaric. I think that if cowboys want to do this to animals, they must first have it done to them. That goes for calf ropers and steer wrestlers also. Have someone toss a rope around your neck, wrestle you to the ground in front of a crowd of stinking drunks and wrap a rope around your arms and legs. Animals deserve more respect than this. I am proud of matchbox twenty. At least they show some integrity. "

Awful sounding wrote on Apr 13, 2008 8:33 PM:

" How about I come and sing for ya all, I can't even carry a tune in a basket with four handles. Could be as good as William Hung from American Idol. At least you'd have the spot filled for the vacancy from MB 20 "

To sporker wrote on Apr 12, 2008 3:31 PM:

" or Steve,

Temple Grandin, an animal science professor at Colorado State University, said the "hot shot" sensation for horses would be like getting shocked on an electric fence.

"It doesn't burn them. There is no damage to the hide of the horse," Grandin said.
"

Cali-Runner wrote on Apr 12, 2008 12:43 PM:

" I seriously doubt that Red Hot Chili Peppers would consider playing in a rodeo setting. Wouldn't it be so rock star if Cheyenne could get Wilco to play? I know that Cheyenne would dig Wilco... "

sporker wrote on Apr 12, 2008 11:44 AM:

" Congratulations Cheyenne and Cheyenne Frontier Days! All your “friends” in California now know all about the animal abuse at the CFD. The little secret is out.

4/10/08 Los Angeles Times article:

“Matchbox Twenty won't ride into this rodeo”

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/unleashed/2008/04/matchbox-twenty.html

"

Jessie wrote on Apr 12, 2008 6:46 AM:

" I've looked at the web site they apparently reviewed (www.ShameOnCheyenne.com), and now I get it.

There's been a lot of junk going on at CFD, and it can't be called anything but animal abuse. Very cruel. If this is what is going on, I think I'll pull out too. The "cowboys" out there can say "who cares," but somewhere down the road CFD will be left with about five hundred people watching the show, and that won't pay the bills. "

JD wrote on Apr 12, 2008 4:13 AM:

" I notice that Brooks and Dunn with ZZ Top are starting a tour in Late July, that could be a solid get. "

iLEST wrote on Apr 11, 2008 5:45 PM:

" Enough with the country hillbilly singers. CFD needs to bring bands like Linkin Park, Papa Roach, Mogwai, Plus 44, or even the Red Hot Chili Peppers would be cool. Even some real Hip Hop artists would be a good change like Pete Rock, or MF Doom. I'm sick of all this inbred music every year. "

Burma Shaver wrote on Apr 11, 2008 8:36 AM:

" Replace them with something classy like...Starship. CFD lost this one thanks to treatment of the animals. MB20 was a good draw for the younger market here. Why don't we have an Event Arena like Casper again? "

sporker wrote on Apr 11, 2008 6:15 AM:

" Approximately 4,000 Matchbox Twenty tickets will have to be refunded. What was the average ticket price before the ticket brokers scalped their Matchbox Twenty tickets? I wonder what the overall dollar cost loss was to the CFD, affiliated agencies, promoters and businesses that were effected?

Any word on the 7/18/08 CFD replacement band yet? What about the pending announcement for the CFD closing night band?
"

kathy wrote on Apr 10, 2008 9:26 PM:

" Where's Ted Nugent when we need him??? Maybe CFD needs to give him a call... I'd like to hear what he has to say about this... Come on my vote is to call Ted!!!! "

boy wrote on Apr 10, 2008 9:24 PM:

" Come on Matchbox Twenty!!! I hope you all don't eat steak,burgers or any other type of meat...If you do, do you know where it comes from and how it got cooked etc.... Well we are better off knowing that people like you don't come to Cheyenne... Oh wait or is this going to cause your little Sidewalk Angels come and protest CFD now? hmmmm "

Pretty Boy Floyd wrote on Apr 10, 2008 8:45 PM:

" I use to play with Matchbox cars, are the two related?
Isn't Matchbox 20, a one hit wonder of some kind?
Either way, I could give a gosh darn if they come or not. I prefer not, myself "

what? wrote on Apr 10, 2008 8:44 PM:

" what are you talking about "it's more cruel to the people than the animals?" No one is forcing the people to be there, they are the morons who are putting on this event and of course they're going to get injured because the animals they abuse get angry. The only people offened about MB20 not coming are moron rodeo fans "

Leon wrote on Apr 10, 2008 6:57 PM:

" Now that Matchbox 20 has bailed, lets get some hiphop at da rodeo with SnoopDog and 50 cent ! Brothers and sisters need some love at the CFD for a change. "

TheSwex wrote on Apr 10, 2008 3:54 PM:

" I'm sure Matchbox will play the ND fair no problem. Clearly there's another issue with them playing in Cheyenne. Animal abuse is being used as a weak excuse. "

Cherie T. wrote on Apr 10, 2008 2:27 PM:

" Matchbox 20 doesn't want to support animal abuse.

Good for them! "

Pat wrote on Apr 10, 2008 1:28 PM:

" Matchbox who? Good, maybe they can get Ted Nugent back! "

animal lover wrote on Apr 10, 2008 11:47 AM:

" Good for match box twenty. cfd should be ashamed for what is shown in sharks viedos. and to pretend they didnt know. all they care about is making money weither its legal or not. i hope everyone backs out, it would serve them right!!!! "

gma wrote on Apr 10, 2008 11:27 AM:

" What part of the word R-O-D-E-O did they not get! Rodeo's are the same everywhere and have been an integral part of our western culture for a very long time. I would far rather my grandchildren view and participate in rodeo life than what they could experience on the streets of many cities. "

N wrote on Apr 10, 2008 11:20 AM:

" CFD is doing a great job, Matchbox 20(who are they again??) "

Sara wrote on Apr 10, 2008 11:10 AM:

" So I was really happy to hear that Matchbox Twenty was coming to our small town, and then hearing this well they need to get there facts straight! Yes there are people that have hurt animals at rodeos but I do believe that at CFD that they are really good with there animals for two reasons one, these animals are much bigger then the cowboys and cowgirls and i have seen more people get hurt in the years I have lived here something like 10 people a year hurt and like 5 animals and i have only seen one animal have to be put to sleep and yes it was sad and i did cry. (oh ya let me say I love animals and I am also a vet)... Ok sorry back to the point Matchbox twenty should have not made the promise that they would have a show at CFD. I think the reason why they canceled is because it is a smaller show and they will not make as much money. Comeon matchbox twenty we are your fans too... but whatever do what you do. "

opinion wrote on Apr 10, 2008 11:07 AM:

" I think Matchbox Twenty is being stupid. And personally if this SHARK group has such a problem with CFD how come they aren't here protesting it. It's more cruel to people participating than the animals. I bet if a horse was about to run them down and they had a gun they wouldn't be thinking about animal cruilty they would be thinking about saving themselves. "

DP wrote on Apr 10, 2008 10:49 AM:

" If they don't want to come, they don't have to, it's just sad that they didn't do more searching about the location they chose before they decided to start to sell tickets. It's a rodeo. I don't like to watch them, but yet it is a rodeo. With rowdy animals. When did animals get more rights than humans? I could make a tape depicting anyone and anything being abused if you shoot it right, but the political correctness is hurting the USA and everyone's freedom. We don't need them or Carey Underwood to come, they are just too good for WYO I guess. And WYO is just too good for them. In any ranch there is going to be "rodeo type activities" It's life, this is just brought to the spot light once a year. It would be like saying I hate football because they run all over the nice green grass and hurt it's feelings. Poor grass! I hate musicians because they us lots of metal for their speakers and microphones, they are hurting the planet! They can all just play in Bolder, I use to like them not anymore. "

Brian Olson wrote on Apr 10, 2008 10:48 AM:

" I've been surprised at the number of anti-CFD posts in all this.

Does CFD have a PR or perception problem? The website at the center of all this is typical of WEB 2.0 where often un-true and unattributed or doctored information can be posted. But just because it's on the 'Net, doesn't make it true.

That said, I reiterate that what Matchbox Twenty did was un-professional. I see they're headed to North Dakota for the State Fair where Bull-Riding is on the bill of events.

Good luck to the folks up in ND, or is CFD the victim of a well-calculated PR hit? Hey Rob, either you do, or don't believe in something. You can't be selective to apply your standards.

Again, the band signed a contract, deposits were made, the concert promoted and tickets sold.

Matchbox Twenty should be held financially accountable for breaking their word and the added cost to CFD.

"

sporker wrote on Apr 10, 2008 7:45 AM:

" 8/2/07 WTE: “A Rodeo Shocker.” Please review for past CFD rodeo animal abuse.

http://www.wyomingnews.com/articles/2007/08/02/featured_story/01top_08-02-07.txt

The original 8/6/08 WTE article by former Outdoors Editor Cara Eastwood, exposed with photographic proof the stock subcontractor improperly using a Hot-Shot on horses. Thank you Cara!

8/6/06 WTE: “Hot-Shot use at CFD challenged.”

http://www.wyomingnews.com/articles/2006/08/06/news/import-108327.txt

CFD was caught with their pants down. SHARK only has further exposed a higher level of animal cruelty at the CFD. Get ready for future CFD rodeo animal abuse photo evidence.
"

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