Derek Beaumont hits back at fans after claims he doesn’t pay performers

In many ways, Leigh Leopards owner Derek Beaumont is the best owner in Super League.

Not only has his money turned the Leopards into a very competitive side and also an eye catching brand, but his colourful character has also made him a major selling point of the club.

Beaumont also pushed for more live music at games last year resulting in the likes of Scouting For Girls performing at their season opener.

Beaumont though retaliated to suggestions he couldn’t afford certain performers by saying he doesn’t pay every act that performs for the Leopards, taking to social media platform X to address the matter.

He posted: “You actually think I pay bands these days for the privilege and exposure of playing in the den on the AB Sundecks Ltd stage live on Sky Sports in the Super League. Never underestimate the power of the leopards!”

This prompted a backlash with Beaumont revealing he pays for the established acts but others see the value of performing at the Leigh Sports Village.

“Of course I pay those I agree to who are established others see the value in the platform to become established! Give your head a Wobble Wobble! Got any grapes?”

As fans continued to hit back, Beaumont said to one fan: “Exposure? You mean the exposure we give the game surely? You’re not trying to say the game gives it us? I would drop my central funding in a heart beat to be cut free to maximise my own revenue for the club! And could do same for the game!”

He continued to respond to fans: “WOW can’t believe the meltdown on here about giving opportunities in a Big stadium on a big stage  Comedy bronze right there! Got any grapes?

“So if you were an agent for said band you would say don’t take the opportunity you deserve to be paid? You wouldn’t get anywhere or have any bands! As I say when you get it you will get it! Happy just pay the big timers my point was don’t need to with talent that’s bought in to it.”

But to those who criticise Beaumont, he is set to run an Iron Man in Bolton:

“Ok time to declare I am doing the Bolton 70.3 iron man in June! Can’t run but time to learn starting now! First one here we go.”