Not since Santa canceled Christmas back in 1964 has there been the level of angst and emotional turmoil amongst the masses as when My Chemical Romance canceled their Oct. 27 University of Maine appearance Thursday night. Unfortunately for us, there was no red-beaked mutant reindeer around to make everything right again.Student entertainment received word late Thursday night that drummer Bob Bryar injured himself while opening for Jon Bon Jovi at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. This show was the first of a two-night set the band performed with Bon Jovi, the second set being Friday night - after Bryar's injury. However, that show was not canceled.Along with the disappointment of fans, this cancellation has left student entertainment approximately $10000 - $13000 in the hole for all the preparation that unnoticeably went into getting an act like this into our area of the back woods.Unfortunately for Student Entertainment, an injury is contractually considered an act of God, even at a Bon Jovi concert. "Because it is considered an act of God, both parties of the contract are relieved of any obligations to that contract. While that means we don't have to pay them, it also means they don't have to pay us for any money already spent [in preparation]," Derek Mitchell, VP of Student Entertainment, said.The majority of these fees are accrued from advertising and promotional costs, not to mention cancellation fees for everything from staging and caterers to security, even facility fees from electrical upgrades that had to be taken care of in Alfond Arena. Student Entertainment hopes to recoup some of that money from the band; however, it's looking to be unlikely at this point.Band representatives had discussed rescheduling with Student Entertainment to a mutually agreeable date."I'm hesitant to do it," Mitchell said. "They're not a reliable band. They've canceled a lot of dates."Ironically, My Chemical Romances' last cancellation was also in Maine. The band, scheduled to perform with Muse in Portland last spring at the Cumberland County Civic Center, ended up canceling mere days before the show. Several students reported having bought tickets to both the Portland show and the one that was scheduled here in Orono. This frustration is bound to put a strain on the New England fan base as many people are less likely to buy for a third time. After all, if there's one thing a college student hates, it's being inconvenienced.
Gerard Way at Big Day Out. 
According to a University of Maine student government representative, the university may file a lawsuit against rock band My Chemical Romance due to a cancelled show.

The band cited health concerns for drummer Bob Bryar in the cancellation notification on Thursday, but played a show on the proceeding Friday. The cancellation reason is considered an 'Act of God', and relieves both parties from any obligations.

"Unless it is truly due to sickness or injury of the band, we intend to seek full damages for breach of contract. When they played Friday night, I think that kind of voids an 'Act of God' claim," Derek Mitchell, the vice president of student entertainment said. 

The lawsuit, if agreed upon by the General Student Senate, would seek US$20,500 for advertising, ticket sales, contractor fees, and cancellation fees.