Bouncers Behaving Badly?
Disclaimer: Not all club security staff are jackasses, just as
not all metal fans are cool, with only the purest of motives. In the past week, we've seen
how dark the nature of some who go to metal shows can be [ie: the stabbing of 4 people at
a Corrosion of Conformity show in the Tampa, Florida area, which resulted in one man's
death]. In situations like that, maybe more aggressive security measures would have saved
the night of a lot of concert goers, as well as a human being's life. The following
article is just one take on the topic of club security and in no way suggests that all
those who take on the arduous task of keeping audience members in line abuse their
positions.
Bouncers and club security do serve a purpose. In most every metal club environment, it's
hot, it's crowded, alcohol is often involved, and human nature being what it is, conflicts
can and will happen.
In these cases, it's club security's job to step in and clear out the offending parties,
so that the rest of those in attendance can get what they paid for... a chance to enjoy
their favorite bands and have a good time, unmarred by jagoffs with something to prove. In
the heat of the moment, it's sometimes difficult to distinguish between when security is
doing it's job or going overboard, but in some instances, it's all too clear that these
goons-for-hire are taking themselves way too seriously.
I attended two seperate shows in two seperate venues this past weekend and was witness to
two very distinct cases of bouncers behaving badly. Both shows were Corrosion of
Conformity, Crowbar, Alabama Thunderpussy, and Weedeater. The first being held at Club #1 June 17 and the second was Saturday, June 18 at Club #2.
Club #1 is a somewhat smaller venue than the venerable #2, but without a
doubt, a legendary staple of the rock scene in the state of North Carolina. The sound is
good, the vibe is electric, and the crowds are always 'up.' The crowds are so 'up,' in
fact, that the club owners have in recent months been put in the position of having to
hire a new security staff.
On the night I was there, the show itself was absolutely amazing!! Everybody was having a
great time, from the opening act of Weedeater to the headliners, COC. Appreciative
stoner/doom metal fans banged their heads and pumped their fists in unison. Some were
drinking and others, like myself, were just high on the good music that was filling the
place up to the rafters. Meanwhile, in typical bouncer-fashion, the security staff brooded
and watched. I remember thinking these guys are into metal. There were no major issues
during the set, so it looked that all would get to enjoy the show, then go home in peace.
Not so.
At the end of the show, as a few stragglers milled about to talk with the bands, the
security staff went about picking up the scattered cups, beer cans, etc... and disposing
of them. I was talking to another fan when a friend casually brushed a beer can with his
foot, to get it in reach of one of the security guys who was involved in the clean up. The
guy LOST HIS MIND!! He began screaming, cursing, ranting and advancing on my friend,
enraged over what was, to my friend, an innocent, non-offensive move. As my friend backs
away, confused over exactly what his crime was, a second bruiser crowds in behind him,
blocking his retreat and staring down menacingly at my friend (who, at best, stands a mere
5'5" and is probably 165 pounds).
The first bouncer takes his shirt off, announcing his intent to take things to a more
physical level. Upon seeing this, I intervened and tried to put myself between the guy and
my friend. I tried to calm the guy down, but he wasn't listening to me. He had his mind
set on pounding some little metalhead (something I'm sure he'd been aiming for all night).
It was at that time that another bouncer stepped in and asked what was going on. After
hearing the story, he knew his comrades were out of line and sent them away. An
unnecessary act of violence, narrowly averted.
On the second night I was front and center, once again, at #2. The
security staff have always been sticklers; no cameras, no stage diving or crowd
surfing. Any attempts to get over the barrier between audience and stage will get you put
out of the venue for the night. On this night, things were once again fairly uneventful,
until the last half of Corrosion of Conformity's set.
During a performance of the title track of their new album, 'In the Arms of God,' a fight
broke out. I didnt see how it started, but it apparently involved quite a few people. I
was shoved against the barrier and had to do a bit of sidestepping myself to get free of
it.
The fight was quieted down, after the intervention of the security, but then, for
whatever reason, would flare up again. COC stopped playing and Mike Dean was imploring
security to not 'rough up the paying customers.' I turned to see every member of the
security staff bailing out of every corner of the venue, dragging people off in choke
holds, pushing, grabbing and in general, roughing people up. Woody Weatherman, COC
guitarist, was on the mic, telling everyone to 'let it go.' I witnessed one very bulky
bouncer hauling a petite young girl [cursing and kicking as she was] over the barrier with
both arms pulled tightly behind her back. She, along with her companions, were all hustled
outside.
Other reports I got of the melee included an older woman being punched in the face by one
of the guards. Now, I didnt personally see that part and I do know that some of those
being hauled away were being abusive and out of line with the staff, but how much force is
needed for a 6'3", 220 pound bouncer to remove a 5'4", 110 pound young woman??
This was definitely a case where security's reaction may have been overzealous and very
well may have made a bad situation worse. I wasn't involved and can't give an accurate
account of every blow thrown, but as an observer, I did see things that caused concern.
So, are these accounts the norm for security staff in venues all over the country? I can
see a call for distinct force in some situations. I've seen more than a few concert-goers
who could have done the bands and the others in attendance a huge favor by just staying
home and who need a strong arm to put them in their place, for the good of all, BUT, how
much is too much?
A good rule of thumb for anybody who goes out to clubs with a security staff is this: know
the temperament of the bouncers. It could mean the difference between a good time and a
cracked skull.
--Susan Wright