CHIEF organiser of the Rebel Salute live show, Tony Rebel says the January 18-19 event lived up to expectations.

Based on the turnout and crowd response, he believes patrons were also satisfied.

However, the artiste-turned-promoter conceded that with the new venue and an additional day, he and his team could have done better in some areas.

“It was really a trial and myself and the rest of the team were pressured into getting everything in place as it was our first time doing this,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

“While we got a superb package, there is still a little room for improvement and this will be in place at the 2014 staging.”

Rebel Salute took place at Richmond Estate in Priory, St Ann, after a long run at Port Kaiser Sports Complex in St Elizabeth and before that Brooks Park in Mandeville.

There was considerable rain on both days.

“Due to the heavy rains, the place was saturated with mud, but we will be putting things in place to reduce that next year,” said Rebel, who addressed the lengthy band changes.

“A lot of artistes felt more comfortable working with their own band, which resulted in numerous band changes and that caused a bit of delay. Hopefully, next year we can have two stages or even a revolving one.”

One of his biggest concerns is that the event lacked a title sponsor. Since its inception in 1994, Rebel Salute has catered to vegetarians and no alcohol is sold. Rebel admits that may be a deterrent for potential sponsors.

Staged under the theme, ‘The Preservation of Reggae’, Rebel Salute 2013 attracted thousands of patrons. It also featured a health and wellness expo on the second day.