After torrential rains marred two mega-concerts this weekend, Government is being challenged by concert goers and promoters to build an enclosed arena as soon as possible.

And the hard downpour at one of concerts held over the Cup Match holiday, is believed to have cost promoter Dennis (Mertz) Richardson tens of thousands of dollars.

Mr. Richardson, who organised the Redman and Method Man rap concert held Saturday night at Lord's in St. David's, had a promoter's worst nightmare come true when the concert was scrapped because of an hour long downpour.

In addition to Mr. Richardson's concert, the David Durham produced Patti LaBelle concert, held Thursday night at Tiger Bay, St. George's, was also interrupted by a lengthy swell of rain.

And the onslaught of showers at the LaBelle concert had fans huddling together under any shelter they could find.

But Mr. Richardson's cancelled concert had fans seething and looking for refunds and he believed that if Bermuda had a proper enclosed venue, he might have avoided a weekend of headaches.

He said he is currently in negotiations about refunding money to fans, but maintained that the cancellation was unavoidable, because of safety concerns.

"It was a total nightmare," he said. "Two of my concert people performed, but they got an electric shock when they held the mic's in their hand. We had to shut it down - I cannot do that to artists. But I have no control over what Jesus Christ does."

Mr. Richardson admitted he took a "major financial blow" because of the downpour.

But he explained that he along with other concert promoters had been trying for some time to hold concerts on the baselands to avoid natural interruptions such as rain.

He said: "We have been trying for years to get an aeroplane hanger on the base. We are investing a lot of money to bring quality shows into the Island. These guys cost me a fortune to bring in and I've taken a large hit because of the weather. Government needs to open the hanger up or have something in place for shows. You cannot have someone like Patti LaBelle performing in the rain - that's crazy."

Although international superstar Ms LaBelle went onstage once the rain subsided Thursday night, the drenching did leave a bitter taste in the mouths of some in attendance.

One LaBelle concert-goer, who was in seats provided by promoters, said the rain took her totally by surprise.

And she too challenged Government to implement an enclosed facility that is on par with other places around the world.

"It's damn ridiculous," she said. "I came out all dressed up. Why should I have to stand in the rain for an hour, holding a chair over my head. There should be a multi-purpose facility for national events. We need to have something like Madison Square Garden (New York) or something like that. Bermuda needs to get with it - we're supposed to be so rich and moving into the next millennium. When you have professionals coming down, there should be a proper location."

There had been an ongoing dispute with concert promoters and Government about the hope to turn the National Stadium into an enclosed venue. However, there have been several delays over the years in seeing the project through.

And LaBelle promoter, Mr. Durham, who said he estimated between 2,500 to 3,000 attended his show, believed there would have been a stronger turnout if Bermuda had a proper venue. He called for more constructive communication with Government and local promoters for future events.

"The promoters are screaming right now," he said. "Bermuda is being looked at a lot more by a lot more artists, but we're not out there lobbying because we don't have the right kind of venue. As a promoter I had important people in from the States - as a promoter I didn't want to take them to Tiger Bay. But luckily people really wanted to see Patti. Most of the promoters need to come together and help try and get a proper venue."

Veteran concert promoter Eddy DeMello, who is preparing for the upcoming Byron Lee and The Dragonaires show later this month, said Bermudians should get the most value for their money when attending a concert.

And he noted that an enclosed facility that protects from inclement weather, adds to the package.

Of the hope of Government building an enclosed concert venue he said: "I don't think it will be in my lifetime. There have been promises, promises all the time. The reason why I don't do some concerts is because there isn't a proper venue.

"Yes, we looked at the hanger, but it was sold privately by someone - but the costs of soundproofing it would have cost at least a half a million dollars. But fortunately for me, Byron Lee is a fun show no matter what the weather and I am hoping for good weather on the 18th."