Hard Rock International Pulls Out As Official Sponsor Of What Was Formerly 'Hard Rock Calling' Concert in London

"Hard Rock Calling" is no more. Or at least, the "Hard Rock" part is no more. Hard Rock International, owners of the titular restaurant chain, announced that it would no longer be sponsoring the "Calling" music festival, which has taken place for seven years in London. Live Nation, the organizer of the show, assured fans that the festival would continue in 2014 with a different sponsor however.

According to the concert promoter, interest in the show isn't waning.

"Following record ticket-demand and audience numbers at festivals this year, Live Nation is exploring new sponsorship partnerships for its highly successful 'Calling' franchise," a spokesperson said. "After six years of rising ticket sales for 'Hard Rock Calling', Live Nation intends to build on this popular rock-festival event. Further details about venues and timings for 2014 events will be made in due course."

The Hard Rock Cafe, which also originated in London, didn't give a statement on why it would no longer be the primary sponsor, but it might be because of the controversy that occurred near the end of the 2012 event atHyde Park. Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band were that year's headliners, and were rocking along three hours into the show when The Boss brought out Paul McCartney, making for a rock spectacular so bright it blinded guests within 100 yards of the stage.

Not really, but Live Nation cut the power to the stage as the show passed its third hour, citing a curfew established by local authorities to ensure "health and safety."

If health and safety means cutting short a Springsteen/McCartney performance, we don't want it.

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