Fan feels ripped off

By ANNE BESTON

A woman who took her eight-year-old son to see boy band Five is angry the youngster didn't get to see his idols because he couldn't see over the heads of those in front.

"It was disgusting. There were heaps of parents there with kids and the kids couldn't see," said Amanda Stevenson of Glendowie. "They shouldn't take money unless they can cater for children, especially at that price."

She paid $125 for two tickets for herself and Kurt to see Five at the North Shore Events Centre on Saturday night.

She had checked with ticketing agent Real Groovy Records and the venue to get assurances that Kurt would be able to see the show. People were trying to get into the upstairs part of the venue but were barred by security staff, she said.

Events centre facilities manager Donald Southey acknowledged there were problems and would be talking to promoters before the next event, dance act Vengaboys, in July.

Five, also in hot water after being accused of snubbing fans at Auckland Airport last week, yesterday tried to make amends.

Sue Rentoul, a 27-year-old Christchurch fan, was catching a plane home after coming to Auckland for the concert, when she and a friend were suddenly ushered into a room to meet the group who were preparing to fly to Wellington. The pair spent 10 minutes talking to the band and getting autographs.

"They are not really snobs, they are just really tired. When they are not performing they are practising all the time."