G-A-Y promoter apologises over Britney disappointment

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The promoter of gay club night G-A-Y has apologised to fans the non-appearance of Britney Spears on Saturday night.

The American star did visit the club, but decided not to go on stage.

Promoter Jeremy Joseph explained in an email that he had disucssed the possibility of Ms Spears performing or making a personal appearance.

However, when she arrived at the club night, which is now held in Heaven, she was unsure about appearing.

“When Britney arrived, no one had spoken to her about going on stage, even though I had had discussions with her tour manager and security,” said Mr Joseph.

“Therefore she hadn’t planned going on stage and wasn’t in the right frame of mind to.

“I did everything to try and persuade her, and she was thinking about it, but as people started to move to the front, the front half of the dance floor was getting too busy … so that’s why I went on stage to say she wasn’t coming on, even though she was still considering it.

“I wanted her to come on stage but once I knew it wasn’t going to happen, even after several other announcements, people wouldn’t believe she wasn’t going to come on and wouldn’t move, hence it (was) becoming a dangerous situation, we tried to get people to move back but they wouldn’t.

“I know we have a lot making up to do, I know we have to rebuild the confidence in G-A-Y again and it starts now, so once again I can only apologise.”

Ms Spears spent her visit in the VIP room, where she celebrated her 27th birthday.

Hundreds of fans were disappointed that she did not appear on stage, though Mr Joseph pointed out in his email he had never advertised that she would do so.

The night had a Britney theme, and The Sun reported that she might appear, which fuelled specualtion.

In September MAMA Group bought Heaven through its jointly owned subsidiary, G-A-Y Group Limited.

Heaven has been a favourite London venue with the gay community since it opened in 1979.

It is currently the only club in Westminster licenced to sell alcohol until 6am every day.

G-A-Y club nights moved to the Charing Cross venue as a result of the MAMA Group’s purchase.

The Astoria had been the venue for G-A-Y club nights for 15 years. It is to be demolished to make way for the Crossrail project and a redevelopment of Tottenham Court Road station.

The last night there was in July.

The G-A-Y franchise includes two bars, G-A-Y Late located just off Charing Cross Road and G-A-Y Bar on Old Compton Street in Soho.

MAMA, owners of the Barfly music venue chain, bought a 75% share in the company which operates G-A-Y Bar and G-A-Y Late, in August 2007.

Mr Joseph retains ownership of the G-A-Y brand.

The G-A-Y night has played host to performances from Kylie Minogue, Madonna, Christina Aguilera, the Spice Girls, Girls Aloud, Suga Babes and McFly.

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