34Below Plays Robin Hood For Musicians Scammed By 97 Radios Phony Tour

Recording artists 34Below were key players in helping over 20 other bands scammed by 97 Radios phoney concert tour. WWLP-TV 22 in Springfield, MA stated that the F.B.I. is investigating the situation. According to Rolling Stone Magazines March 22, 2004 article 97 Radio has set up at least two bogus tours since last fall. 34Below teamed up with other bands and took their case to the Phoenix, AZ District Attorney.

CARLSBAD, CA PRWEB) April 22 2004-- Award-winning national recording artists, 34Below, were instrumental in helping numerous other bands recover over $15,000 in phony tour funds paid to 97 Radio, a web-based promotional company claiming to give bands and musicians increased exposure. We signed up in November, 2003 for the 12-city tour to promote our new CD, Live at Dublin Square. When things went downhill, we formed a team with other bands whod been scammed, did some research on 97 Radio, and took action to help bands get their money back," says guitarist/vocalist Chris James.

     Besides the 12 scheduled concerts, 97 Radios contract with 34Below was to include plane fares, tour buses, hotel rooms and meals. A week prior to the tours start date, it appeared that troubled waters lie ahead for 34Below after several 97 Radio employees became evasive about tour details, dodging questions about tour schedules and contracts. They booked over 20 bands on the fake tour originally intended for a maximum of 6 bands," says James.

     Another recording artist, whos band had also been lured in by the scam, stealthily had calls intended for 97 Radio directed to his personal phone. As other victims of the scam called that number for tour schedules, he and 34Belows Chris James corroborated with the callers to compare details of their 97 Radio contracts. We became a team on a mission, diligently finding and contacting other bands involved, to take action as a group," says James.

     James then contacted John Foxworthy, the mastermind behind Garageradio.com, and the League of Advocates for Artists World Wide. Foxworthy carefully researched 97 Radio, and editorializes against them on his web sites. (More information is available at laaww.org.) Foxworthys investigation helped James and other band members put together a case against 97 Radio. The details gathered were turned over to the DAs office in Phoenix, AZ. They are now investigating on behalf of all the bands involved," James stated.
               
     A March 22, 2004 Rolling Stone Magazine article about 97 Radio states, 97 Radio has set up at least two bogus tours since last fall. Those who've paid say the company's once-friendly executives stop returning calls and    e-mails after receiving the money." WWLP-TV 22 in Springfield, MA, recently aired the 97 Radio story and reported that the F.B.I. is investigating complaints against the company.
     34Below is an alternative rock band based in Carlsbad, CA. For more information on the band go to www.34Below.com.

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