Kochishki Blows Whistle On All Stars

Kochishki, who booked the all-star rock lineup for a show in Skopje Nov. 26, has written to Yourope, the European festival promoters’ association, complaining that Reed hasn’t returned the money that he he’d paid upfront.

The tour, which would have featured Zakk Wylde of Black Label Society and players from the likes of Megadeth, Vanilla Fudge, Dream Theater, Black Sabbath, and Ozzy Osbourne’s band, was pulled a week before Kochiski’s sold-out show in the Macedonian capital’s 1,000-capacity Youth Culture Centre. Reed said there wasn’t enough time before Europe “to make the show happen properly.”

Kochishki, who also manages top Balkan acts including Dubioza Kolektive and Sars, has subsequently refunded the ticket-holders. Reed’s saying the money was sent back Feb. 26 and says he has paperwork to prove it, but Kochishki claims that email correspondence with the American promoter shows Reed made similar claims in November, December and February.

By this time matters were getting a little heated as one mail from Reed’s legal people warned Kochishki that “making slanderous and defamatory accusations and statements will cause damages to my client which will result in us pursuing you to collect those damages.”

Reed says he’s already started action against Kochishki, despite the “limited legal options given the fact that he is in Macedonia.” Kochishki, who says he still hadn’t had his money returned as of March 18, admits to having received a “cease and desist” notice.

Although the allegedly outstanding money is only euro 4,000 ($4,230), Kochishki says it’s become a matter of principle and he’s contacting other promoters that also had a show on the canceled tour.