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IN THIS ISSUE: Dude, Where's My Hobbit? & Philly Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 And The Message Board Says... Page 4 Dambuilders/Noho The Reviews News & Links TTOY Hall of Fame Archives
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TROC SECURITY CONTINUES TO CONFUSE CONCERTGOERS I love the Trocadero and I think most Ezralites do. BTE has done some incredible shows there (including what I consider the best show I have ever seen), but the venue continues to confuse concertgoers with their seemingly arbitrary rules. I know the venue has a lot of hardcore type rock shows and has to have fairly strict security, but this year’s security blockade was even tighter than last year. Last year, about the worse thing was being told we couldn’t line up for the show until ½ hour before doors. So, we all milled around in the street until some brave soul started a line 40 minutes before doors and people darted in front of traffic to get on line. As we went in, people got searched but they didn’t hassle anyone about cameras as at prior shows. Well, this year we got the same "no line up treatment," but worse. People starting lining up around an hour before doors and a staff member just told people not to block a restaurant next door. Fine, no problem. But then why did a female staffer then have to come out and positively screech at everyone for lining up? She was very rude – "Why do you all have to line up so early? You’re all getting in, so what’s your problem?" Duh. This happened 2 or 3 times and each time she got more and more shrill and pushy. And then the male staffer came out and politely asked people not to block the businesses and he had no trouble whatsoever. Perhaps this guy could teach his co-worker about being "customer-friendly?" No one got hassled for bringing in cameras or taking pics. But, what’s with the "pen jihad?" I haven’t stabbed anyone with my ball point for years. I had to appeal to a supervisor to bring in a pen, but I know one person who had a pen confiscated. It just seems so arbitrary and silly. The biggest shock of the night security-wise was that the upstairs balcony popular with drinkers was now designated for under 21s. This really sucked for younger fans who’d lined up early to get a front row spot. Things like this can really put a damper on a night’s entertainment. All the venue has to do is listen to the people and be a tad more reasonable and there won’t be a problem next time... |
BTE TAKES A STAND AT THE TROC There were a lot of proud Ezralites at the Trocadero show on March 4th. As BTE were a few songs into their set some loud, obnoxious drunks started pushing and shoving and spilling beer and generally annoying other concertgoers as they had during the opening band’s set. As KG finished up "Allison Foley" the loudmouths started shouting stuff, including the word "queer." Kevin Griffin looked at the offenders and said: "Hey, we don’t need this – Philadelphia doesn’t need this and you-you - these four guys, security escort them out of here. Why don’t you take it on out to some sports bar!" Defusing the tension, KG continued: "Queer? Maybe. OK, so I’ll admit to have thought about it a couple of times." The crowd laughed at this and gladly pointed out the offenders to security and they were promptly removed. Obviously Mr. Griffin has been dealing with these kind of people for years and knows how to handle such situations, but you could tell he was personally offended by the remarks he had heard. Not because they may have been directed at him, but because of their intolerant nature. This unfortunate incident demonstrated what BTE have known for a long time – this is a band that’s all about treating people right and tolerance. (OK, I’ll get off my soapbox now). And this is one instance when I find no fault with the Troc Security
staff. They removed the offenders promptly. Good riddance.
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