John Rich blasts Marvel Universe arena show bosses for scaring his kids

Country star John Rich has taken aim at bosses behind the Marvel Universe LIVE! arena show for promoting the event as kid-friendly after pyrotechnics and loud sounds left his two sons terrified and in tears.

The singer claims his three and four-year-old boys were excited to attend the live-action experience, which features a slew of Marvel superheroes and villains, but they burst into tears due to "loud explosions and aggressive audio" after fireworks went off close to their seats - and they were so traumatised, they had to leave just 15 minutes into the show.

An angry Rich tells TMZ.com, "They (Marvel) should warn people before you drop a few hundred bucks to get your kids all hyped up. Really disappointed us."

Representatives for Marvel have yet to comment on Rich's story, although a promotional statement posted on the show's website insists, "Marvel Universe LIVE! was created for fans of all ages."