Lake Havasu Promoter Arrested

An Arizona promoter was recently arrested on charges of felony theft, seven months after throwing a rock concert in Lake Havasu State Park that left some suppliers and bands wondering when their checks would arrive.

Ronald James Paterson of BKR Promotions was indicted May 8th on three felony theft charges stemming from $200,000 in outstanding debts to a security company, local Howard Johnson motel, and Cheap Trick, according to Today’s News-Herald.

Shortly after the Lake Havasu Rockfest, which took place October 6-9, complaints started rolling in and local police began investigations, the paper said.

Paterson claimed theft and ticket counterfeiting – to the reported tune of $200,000 – had rocked the festival.

"Admittedly, the only people that could be angry with me are a couple of bands that I stopped checks to so I wouldn’t bounce them, because of all the theft," Paterson told the News-Herald, claiming he alerted the bands to the situation.

Dave Frey of Silent Partner Management, who manages Cheap Trick, said the band had been paid half the money up front, but was never paid the balance of its guarantee following the festival, the paper reported.

"We will be taking action shortly," Frey said. "There has been no contact with the promoter."

Paterson’s bond has reportedly been set at $60,000. Police Lt. Rich Sloma told the News-Herald that since it is a secured bond, the full amount will need to be paid for the promoter to be released from jail.

’s attempts to reach Cheap Trick management or a representative were unsuccessful at press time.