Remember The Guy Behind The Great "Aqua Teen Force Hunger" Boston Bomb Scare of 2007? Well The City Just Paid Him 50K To Run the Light Show For First Night

Bostonherald - An artist who carried out the 2007 marketing stunt that prompted a massive citywide bomb scare — lambasted then by Mayor Thomas M. Menino — is now headlining the city’s First Night celebration. Peter “Zebbler” ?Berdovsky has been contracted by First Night Boston to stage a $50,000 electronic show that will be the centerpiece of the 2014 New Year’s celebration in Copley Square. But Menino’s office scoffed at the idea that Berdovsky might be a poor choice for a city-sponsored event so close to the scene and time of the deadly April 15 marathon bombing attacks.“It would be irresponsible to draw inferences along those lines,” said Menino spokesman John Guilfoil. “The mayor is confident in the choice of artists and the program selections for the evening. He is confident it will be a wonderful First Night, and a memorable night for all.” At the time of the Jan. 31, 2007 stunt — a promotion for a movie based on Turner Broadcasting’s TV show “Aqua Teen Hunger Force,” Menino called Berdovsky’s actions “irresponsible,” as well as “outrageous,” unacceptable,” and a “nitwit technique.” Menino asked movie theaters to consider a boycott “out of respect to the people of Boston.”

Do people remember this day? This day was just as chaotic as the Marathon bombing day except we weren’t really under attack on January 31st. It was just little Aqua Teen Hunger Force dudes everywhere. It didn’t stop the police from shutting down the ENTIRE city though. I just find it fascinating that Boston would hire the guy behind this stunt and pay him 50K now for a nights work. I mean he probably got a bad rap, but how do you go from this.

Mayor Menino in 2007

Berdovsky’s actions were“irresponsible,” as well as “outrageous,” unacceptable,” and a “nitwit technique.” Menino asked movie theaters to consider a boycott “out of respect to the people of Boston.”

Menino today

The mayor is confident in the choice of artists and the program selections for the evening. He is confident it will be a wonderful First Night, and a memorable night for all.”

Again I don’t really care either way but you can’t bash a guy as bad as Menino bashed this guy and then turn around and hand him a check for 50K. Can’t do it.