Concert scandal impact may spread: organizer

Moncton's general manager of tourism says the impact from a scandal in Halifax over an unauthorized advance of money to a concert promoter could be felt across the Maritimes.

Ian Fowler, who has been the driving force behind booking many big concert events in Moncton, says he has negotiated major deals with promoters over the past six years — including a U2 show this summer.

He said he can sympathize with Halifax, his city's main competitor for summertime shows.

"Everyone's under the microscope," he said, adding that the pressure on municipalities to get events is intense.

"You look at last year and we didn't have a concert. The outcry from the people of Moncton [was:] 'Halifax has two shows. You don't have any'," said Fowler.

Halifax's acting Chief Administrative Officer resigned on Thursday in the midst of a controversy over an unauthorized advance of money to a concert promoter.

Fowler says he knows that some people may think he's happy to see Halifax struggling, but he says that city's woes could make it more difficult for all Maritime cities to book big events.