Guns N� Roses cancelled their gig in Maine last week because they�ve were banned from drinking alcohol during the concert.

The band were told by state fire marshals inspecting the intended pyrotechnics display that drinking during the intended performance in Portland last Monday would violate state law�s � so the group promptly pulled out.

In a statement singer Axl Rose explained, �It was important for us to play there and it is a shame that what should have been a great night for all of us was not possible due to the actions of two people (the fire marshals)."

"I agree with, and ultimately take responsibility for, the end decision not to jeopardise the safety of the fans, the crews, the bands and myself as a result of the methods of these particularly draconian authorities. We hope to find another way to play for you in the future."

The band�s manager Merck Mercuriadis has also responded to criticism of the cancellation by stating it had nothing to do with slow ticket sales, claiming the fire marshals, �made it clear that they intended to harrass our fans, crew and the band through enforcing rules and regulations that are 200 years old.�