Richard Beck tells Melbourne Grand Prix boss Travis Auld to call for A-list stars after court loss

The promoter of a cancelled Robbie Williams concert who won a $5m court battle against Melbourne’s Grand Prix organisers says he stills wants to work with race organisers to get A-listers back.

The Australian Grand Prix boss Travis Auld has been told to “pick up the phone” if he wants to get A-list talent back to the event after an embarrassing court loss.

Music promoter Richard Beck won a $5 million court battle in August after Robbie Williams’ 2020 concert was cancelled.

The Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) claimed it was cancelled because of former Premier Daniel Andrews’ pandemic restrictions but they only came into force on the Monday after the show was scheduled.

The Victorian Supreme Court found the AGPC engaged in “misleading and deceptive conduct.”

Australian Grand Prix CEO Travis Auld. Picture: NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

Mr Beck’s company, World Touring Melbourne, has reserved its legal rights to enforce the remaining part of its original five-year contract, which was frozen when they sued the AGPC.

“Victoria has tarnished its reputation for major events with the cancellation of Robbie’s concert and the Commonwealth Games – that made headlines worldwide,” he said.

“We had a five-year contract and we’ve been vindicated by the court case. Travis just needs to pick up the phone and work with us.

“We can bring big, international acts. We were planning to make it part of a circuit of global concerts and content to make it viable.”

Mr Beck had lined up Williams, Miley Cyrus and Lil’ Nas X for a concert to coincide with the Albert Park race in 2020.

Miley Cyrus.

Robbie Williams. Picture: Brett Schewitz

The concert was due to be filmed as part of a package with a major media company such as Netflix or Amazon to “put Melbourne firmly back on the map”, Beck said.

“We were well advanced in our plans, we want to come back for 2025 and beyond,” he added.

Martin Pakula was Victorian Sports Minister when the event was cancelled in 2020 and has now become chair of the AGPC.

Lil Nas X.

Music promoter Richard Beck.

The Grand Prix has been attempting to emulate the success of the Australian Open, which has become a social occasion as well as a sporting event with international artists playing throughout the event.

Mr Auld, who narrowly missed out on being Gillon McLachlan’s replacement as AFL chief executive, has said he wants to make the Australian Grand Prix the “biggest race in the world”.

He was sent a list of questions about which musical acts would play at the 2025 event, if it would reopen talks with Mr Beck’s company or appeal the recent court decision.

The Australian Grand Prix will run from March 13-16 next year, with tickets yet to go on sale.

Australian entertainers Amy Shark, Jet and Empire of The Sun, headlined the 2024 Grand Prix, which were booked by the Mushroom music group.

The company was founded by the late Michael Gudinski and was now “spearheaded” by his son Matt.

Mushroom has links with Kylie Minogue and Ed Sheeran, among other international artists.

It’s claimed that the AGPC no longer has a contract with Mr Beck and his company.

The AGPC said in a statement: “The Australian Grand Prix Corporation acknowledges the court’s decision and is reviewing the judgment to determine next steps.”