Radio station 'sorry' for April Fool's stunt

Stuff.co.nz

NO SHOW: This message was posted on the doors of the Powerstation this morning by radio station The Rock.

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Kiwi radio station The Rock has apologised to listeners after an April Fool's Day prank involving a "secret" Foo Fighters show went wrong.

The station began promoting the false concert - an intimate acoustic show by the American rock act at Auckland venue the Powerstation - yesterday morning.

They expected around 50 people to turn up for the show this morning - April Fool's Day - at 8.15am.

Instead of an appearance by Dave Grohl and the rest of the popular act, the station planned to play a Foo Fighters album on a tape deck.

But by 5pm yesterday the station was overwhelmed by inquiries and pulled the stunt. It confessed that it was an April Fool's Day gag and apologised to listeners.

Programme director Brad King said the station received inquiries from fans, record labels and promoters.

People were booking the day off work and planning to drive or fly to Auckland, he said, and more than 2000 people could have turned up at the venue.

It caused "absolute carnage," King said.

"This is what happens when fools plan April Fool's jokes. Word spread beyond far and wide."

Apologies have been running on The Rock, while a banner explaining the situation was erected at The Powerstation for anyone who arrived this morning expecting the Foo Fighters to play.

The gag was planned by The Rock's promotional department.

King refused to comment on what had happened to those responsible, but said: "There have certainly been some consequences."

The Foo Fighters, currently playing in Vancouver, are scheduled to perform at Auckland's Vector Arena on May 5 and 6.

In 2003, Radio station 98.1 Kiss in Tennessee falsely announced rapper Eminem would be performing for free in a local parking lot.

Several police were needed to deal with traffic gridlock and enraged listeners threatened to harm those responsible.

Both DJs were later jailed for creating a public nuisance.

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mike   #54   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

Amazing! That station has an audience?????

Matty   #53   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

I though it was hilarious, and more fool those who actually believed it.

But as for those saying Rock listeners are stupid, what about the throngs of ZM listeners who stopped their cars ON THE MOTORWAY in Wellington a few years ago to look for whales that weren't there? Stupidity isn't confined to a single radio station's audience, it's unfortunately universal.

brat   #52   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

Come on people get a sense of humouir for pitys sake, This is the only station in Auckland with a bit of Humour and the guts to pull off a prank like this, Don't crusify them congratulate them for being the gutsyest crew around, Way to go Rock, You had me fooled, 10/10

ROME   #51   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

I THOUGHT IT WAS A BRILLIANT IDEA TO HAVE FOOLED ALOT OF PEOPLE ON APRIL FOOLS DAY....... COME ON PEOPLE WAKE UP ITS THE FIRST OF APRIL

zippo   #50   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

This just proves something that I think we all knew, that Rock listeners aren't the sharpest minds around.

Rob   #49   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

To all those idiots who booked flights to see the concert what makes you think you would have got in to a 2,000 capacity show anyway considering the 12,000 capacity first show in May sold out in 4 minutes. If this concert was for real there would have been a massive crowd trying to get in while you probably would have been collecting your baggage. Go the Rock!

Kevin   #48   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

Some of you guys are unreal. Get a life. The Rock pulled of a stunt that got them international press. You're all just pissed off because you lack basic intelligence. great joke. great station.

Bronwyn   #47   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

This was soooo funny!! You guys keep up the good work!

Nick   #46   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

I disagree with Toni completely. I'm not fat!

Kim   #45   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

Good job,

I mean really, The foo fighters dont just decide to do a random gig on the other side of the world on the 1st of April. a little ironc !!

Go THE ROCK !!

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