City allays fears ahead of RHCP concert

'Flea' bass guitarist from the rock band 'Red Hot Chilli Peppers' onstage at the FNB stadium during there tour in South Africa. 02/02/2013

'Flea' bass guitarist from the rock band 'Red Hot Chilli Peppers' onstage at the FNB stadium during there tour in South Africa. 02/02/2013

Published Feb 5, 2013

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Despite predictions of a strong south-easter, it’s all systems go for Cape Town Stadium to host international band Red Hot Chili Peppers on Tuesday night, says the city.

Last year, a concertgoer died and 19 others were injured when a howling wind tore down an advertising tower outside the stadium during the Linkin Park concert.

With winds expected to reach up to 35km/h tonight, Grant Pascoe, mayoral committee member for tourism, events and marketing, assured concertgoers that safety is a top priority.

“The City of Cape Town will ensure that the event organisers put the necessary safety measures in place for the event, as they do with all city events. We are looking forward to a great evening.”

Meanwhile, complaints of overcrowding marred the Joburg concert at the FNB stadium at the weekend.

Some ticket holders reportedly left the stadium before the main event as they feared for their safety, according to a report in The New Age. In addition, poor sound, event management and accusations of bribery of security guards were some of the other issues that surfaced after angry fans took to social networks to air their grievances.

Justin van Wyk, spokesman for Big Concerts, denied any allegations of mismanagement.

“The inferences drawn by The New Age article are sensationalist; every large event has one or more operational issues behind the scenes and this concert was no different to any previous concert held at this venue.”

Road closures can be expected around Green Point with Beach Road to Helen Suzman Boulevard, closed from 2pm to midnight. Waterkant, and Lower Burg and Buitengracht will also be closed in both directions from 4pm to midnight.

There will be free shuttles from the Civic Centre to the stadium. There will be no parking at the stadium and concertgoers are encouraged to use the transport systems provided.

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