CMU reports:
The upcoming 30th Anniversary tour of Canadian rockers Rush could be in
jeopardy following the arrest of the band's guitarist, Alex Zivojinovich, over allegations he attacked a policeman. As previously reported Zivojinovich was arrested after a fracas at a New Years Eve party in Florida. He allegedly resisted arrest, hit out at police officers and had to be shot with a stun gun to calm him down.
Florida state prosecutors this week said they would make a decision on whether to charge the guitarist in two weeks time. Among the charges he could face are aggravated battery on deputies, resisting arrest with violence and disorderly intoxication - if found guilty of all three he could face a jail sentence.
Depending on the speed with which charges went through court that could affect Rush's up coming 50+ date world tour due to start in May.
Commenting on the case Brent Batten - crime writer with Florida newspaper Naples Daily News, commented: "Any felony conviction could jeopardise the tour scheduled for this year. The reality of the situation serves as a cold slap in the face to Rush fans confident a rich rock icon with a clean record and top-notch defence lawyers would get off with a light sentence, possibly in the form of a community service concert in our own back yard."
Article comments
1 - Dawn Thorp
I believe that while Alex and his son may have had too much to drink, their actions were misunderstood by the police. Alex is one of the most nicest normal-type guys around, very funny and wouldn't hurt anyone. I've never heard of him being abusive or argumentative ever before. This whole thing doesn't make sense and the police shouldn't have treated him the way they did, hurting him like that. My boyfriend Brian and I are big fans. Matter of fact, your Vapor Trails tour in 2002 was the first rock concert ever that Brian attended and Rush is his most favorite band! ALEX IS INNOCENT--LET HIM GO!!!
2 - Mark
They have just announced a 45 date North American tour and 4 dates in the UK so I suppose they have confidence that they can go ahead as planned.