With more big acts coming to town and ticket prices climbing to record levels of $600, concertgoers are now asking what kind of consumer protection they can get and the recourse they have when shows fail to deliver on their expectations.

The Krall concert, held to coincide with the SingTel Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend last month, is an example.

Even before the first note was sung, some fans were unhappy when the venue was switched from Keppel at Marina Bay to Fort Canning Park a week and a half before the concert.

After the show, concertgoers, who had paid between $75 and $599, complained about the cheap plastic seats, the muddy field and the noise from the F1 cars and helicopter which drowned out the music.

Two concertgoers who complained to the organiser, KBO Asia, received rude e-mail responses which contained swear words.

Dr Robert Liew, president of the Association of Event and Concert Managers Singapore (ACEMS), an informal gathering of concert promoters and event organisers, says he is 'completely flabbergasted' by the rude e-mail responses. It was the first time he has heard of any promoters addressing their patrons in such a manner.

The association, which was formed eight years ago with the aim of improving conditions for the performing arts industry, was instrumental in convincing the authorities to liberalise licensing guidelines.

Read the full story in Friday's edition of The Straits Times Life!