Oak Ridge Boys donate concert tickets
The Oak Ridge Boys are feeling Janesville's pain.
Members of the Grammy-winning group donated 500 free tickets to its Wednesday concert at the MetroCentre in Rockford, Ill., after they heard the autoworkers here soon will be laid off, especially so near to Christmas.
The GM plant will stop production of SUVs on Dec. 23.
The Oak Ridge Boys were in Rockford on Friday to promote their Christmas concert when they heard about the impending shutdown while appearing on local morning television broadcasts.
They are giving the tickets in hopes of providing some holiday cheer.
"We've seen this type of news from many places in our travels across the country, but when we heard about this and the timing of it all, with the plant closing just before Christmas, we just knew we had to do whatever we could to try to bring some Christmas spirit to these folks," said Oak Ridge Boys tenor Joe Bonsall.
"Our hearts and prayers are with them and all who are facing tough times in this economic climate."
The Oak Ridge Boys, whose many hits include "Elvira," "Thank God for Kids" and "Bobbie Sue" will perform at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday with their Christmas Cookies Tour.
Tickets were being distributed today throughout the GM plant.
Tickets for the concert can be purchased online at www.metrocentre.com or by phone at (815) 968-5222.
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By GAZETTE STAFF 08/06/10
Dec 17, 2008 at 5:05 p.m.
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I can't believe anyone would actually pay to see the Oak Ridge Boys. Seriously. They're probably just giving away tickets to try to fill seats.
Dec 10, 2008 at 5:48 a.m.
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I thought this is the season for being thankful,I cant understand why people are so angry because someone did something nice. For you people that have so much anger--good luck in the future. You'll need it. I'm not GM, and not going to see the concert. But, what a nice thing to do. Those complaining must of never herad, ITS MUCH NICER TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE.
Dec 10, 2008 at 2:19 a.m.
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Elvira, is that you?
Dec 10, 2008 at 1:43 a.m.
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I think what they did was a nice gesture, and thank them so much, now all the people that are complaining how about you just go give a $5.00 donation to a local food bank somewhere and have a Merry Christmas and try and make a difference in someone elses life instead of trying to find nagativity in something someone else is doing. just a thought.
Dec 9, 2008 at 10:10 p.m.
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Leave it to Janesville residents to complain about a gift.
Dec 9, 2008 at 9:20 p.m.
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Things are bad enough!!! And now this!!!
Dec 9, 2008 at 7:55 p.m.
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Do you think that this will ruin my chances of getting tickets for the concert? ;-)
Dec 9, 2008 at 7:43 p.m.
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That was a really nice gesture on the part of the Oak Ridge Boys - perhaps though, the tickets should have gone to those workers who have already been laid off for months now, versus those who are still working - They probably could have bought their own.
Dec 9, 2008 at 7:38 p.m.
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Hey, complainers! Can't you just see this for what it is? It's a VERY NICE gesture by a group of people who don't know about all the details of the GM closing and the other layoffs generated by the GM situation. And it's pretty nasty to criticize this musical group because YOU don't like their music. If you don't like their sound, just don't listen to them and CERTAINLY don't take one of the free tickets! God bless the Oak Ridge Boys and others who try to do something nice for others.
Dec 9, 2008 at 3:35 p.m.
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LSI WON,T MAKE HEADLINES TO AN AGING GROUP
Dec 9, 2008 at 2:29 p.m.
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get over it. They were just doing something nice. Sorry Lear and other companies, but it wasn't something GM did-it was a nice gift from a great group of guys.
I am so tired of the anti-GM bashing and complaing that goes on. Grow up, get a new job-or sit at home collecting your unemployment whatever works for you. Too bad all these companies laid off such cranky, crabby, childish people.
Dec 9, 2008 at 1:42 p.m.
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Thanks, Oak Ridge Boys! (And, no, I am not a GM worker.) I just think it is a great gesture by the group.
Dec 9, 2008 at 1:25 p.m.
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Hey the heck with the rest of the prople that have lost their jobs you only get sympathy if you worked for the worthless GM corp. and yes I drive a gm but because GM wont stand behind or do anything about a very dangerous safty item such as what they have acknowlaged with the speedometer failing on alot of 2004 gm trucks i will be getting rid of my gm and going with something else. enough said
Dec 9, 2008 at 12:50 p.m.
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You would have to donate tickets for me to even think about seeing the Oak Ridge boys. Should be the Cedar Crest Boys.
Dec 9, 2008 at 12:18 p.m.
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Now that is the whole meaning of giving!!!!
Dec 9, 2008 at 12:02 p.m.
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Yee haw!!
Dec 9, 2008 at 11:26 a.m.
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Why is it just GM who gets the benefits and tickets??? What about all the other companies who are laying off their workers or closing? Hello...GM is not the only company in this area!
Dec 9, 2008 at 10:29 a.m.
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I hope that the actual worker, not shady management gets the tickets.
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