Back in 1988, a rather exciting festival was due to happen, with a lineup that included Bob Geldof, James Brown, Nona Hendryx, Roy Orbison and more. It was called the Neon Picnic and it collapsed in spectacular fashion a few days before it was due to take place. Writer Chris Bourke has a piece on his blog about it, lifted from a story he wrote at the time for Rip It Up. It's a great read. (Above photo from Chris's blog)
"In the last few days before the Neon Picnic was scheduled to start, people were waiting. For money.
International acts such as Los Lobos and Nona Hendryx were waiting for their plane tickets or advance fees; lighting and sound companies for their payments before they would continue work. Many others waited to be paid for work already done.
The Raglan County Council waited for toilets to be put on site, while the portaloo hire company waited for their cash.
The Picnic organisers were waiting for last-minute financial packages to come through and sort it all out." Read it in full here.
ADDED Simon Grigg has his own memories of the Neon Picnic - he did get to see one of the acts...
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