he says he wants to live the kind of life that will make the folks back home all bitch and whine

Washington New Year's rock gala canceled

WASHINGTON, Dec 29 (Reuters) - Organizers of a New Year's Eve gala headlined by Everclear and Third Eye Blind canceled the event Wednesday, blaming ``unforeseen circumstances.''

Local news reports cited poor ticket sales as the reason the event at the capital's 10,000-capacity MCI Center was scrubbed.

The gala was to have featured rock music, indoor fireworks, food and 150 open bars. Other bands on the bill included Fuel, Fighting Gravity, Mile Post 9, Soul Purpose and Brian Jack.

The promoters, northern Virginia-based Shack Events, offered refunds for tickets, which cost between $249 and $399.

It was the second big millennium bash to be canceled in Washington. Earlier this month, organizers of a lavish charity benefit scrapped the event because of a lack of sales of tickets costing $500 to $2,000.

Around the country, there have been reports of lackluster sales of tickets to high-priced New Year's Eve celebrations.

But preparations continued for the massive celebration on the Mall and Lincoln Memorial. The free show featuring entertainment, fireworks and a glittering sound-and-light display is expected to draw huge crowds.

People will not have to go through metal detectors to attend the celebration on the Mall, but bags and packages will be screened amid concerns about security, authorities said. Alcoholic beverages will not be allowed, said Sgt. Rob MacLean, U.S. Park Police spokesman.

Reuters/Variety

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