I hate reading about shit like this:
FOUNDERS OF F-YEAH FEST AND VIDEOTHING.COM ALLEGEDLY BEATEN BY SECURITY GUARDS AFTER RADIOHEAD SHOW
I was a bouncer all through college — I’m a pretty big dude, quick enough, and I know a thing or two about pugilism; and though I’ve certainly had my ass handed to me on a few occasions, I generally have a pretty good track record of taking care of that kind of business when the need has arisen. I’ve also been on both sides of bar and music venue security scuffles, so I’ve seen plenty of shit like this through the eyes of both bouncer and patron: ‘roid-raging bouncers using their matching yellow “SECURITY” emblazoned polo shirts and wind breakers as an excuse to work out their small penis complexes on people who obviously didn’t stand a chance; and bar patrons and show-goers acting so extremely out of control that whatever beatings they took for their indiscretions where at the very least necessary, and at most totally deserved.
No matter how it starts or how it ends, situations like these always suck.
But this story, as told by the victims, is totally out of pocket, and after reading that account in the LA Weekly‘s music blog, I have hard time believing that neither security at the Hollywood Bowl nor the LAPD can provide any justification or explanation whatsoever for the events that allegedly transpired. I only use the word “allegedly” as a legal cushion; the tale is so extreme, and the police and security company’s response so half assed, that there’s obviously something wonky going on.
Moral of the story, no mater who’s right or wrong: If you decide to shoot photos or video of security guards or police stepping over the line, just make sure they don’t see you with the camera in hand.
Reading this makes my blood boil.