I do believe OTT were the only no-show, as Zoe was giving birth at the time (or something).
With regards to security, here’s what I’ve posted on UMR (uk.music.rave forum)... do you agree?
* * * * *
The security really were bad.
Without wishing to get into any race-related quagmire here, I really
must question the policy of using Poles and other Eastern Europeans NEW
TO THIS COUNTRY to do security at raves. They come from no-nonsense
places where security means security, and are not used to the softly-
softly approach that is needed in order to keep venues popular.
In their countries they are probably doing their typical job. But over
here, you MUST have security people who are accustomed to the rave scene
and know when to look the other eye, and when to take action. Rave is a
cultural side of this country. We need people who know the rave scene,
and can spot someone who is trouble and spot others who are just fooling
around.
Examples:
If someone is having an asthma attack and needs to step outside for a
second with their mate to get some fresh air, you:
1. let them step outside for a few seconds
2. ask if they need the medic
3. let them back in
You do not refuse them entry even to get their coats. These two people
ended up outside pleading to be let in for an hour. In the end they were
let in but had to get their coats and leave.
If the door policy was such that no one is allowed back in if they come
out, then the security should have pointed them in the direction of the
outdoors terrace just off the main room, which was a garden, with chairs
and chillout music, just off the main room to the left, and which led to
the Room 4 where Eat Static were playing (not many people managed to
find it, apparently).
* * * * *
If security spot someone very cautiously doing a line of K in the
corner, trying not to be seen, they should perhaps give him a warning
that he’s been spotted and not to do it again (the first time). You do
not get 6 security guards to jump on top of him with his hands behind
his back, naked from the waist up, and dump him while still in a K hole
outside in the freezing cold and refuse point blank to let him get in to
collect his stuff unless they are bribed.
I’m sorry, perhaps this is the Eastern European way of doing things, but
NOT in the UK. I would urge any festival promoter NOT TO USE EASTERN
EUROPEAN SECURITY. It probably would be racist to do so, so let me
change that. NOT TO USE SECURITY WHO HAVE BEEN IN THE COUNTRY LESS THAN
10 YEARS. That would be neither racist, and would make sense, as it
would allow any Eastern European security guards to become accustomed to
the British rave scene.
The only non-Eastern European I came across was the guy who was
organising them all, that tall white South African guy who was
obnoxious, rude and unhelpful. He was the sort of South African you can
imagine was in favour of Apartheid and loved kicking black people
around. Absolutely awful. Where did Twisted get these people from? Or
rather, Renaissance Rooms? Can they not have a say in these matters?
* * * * *
Where is Tiny and his cohorts? He was no-nonsense, great at the door,
good at organising security around… Haven’t seen him for a while,
but last night the venue desperately needed someone like him in charge.
Someone who knows what he’s doing, but who knows the rave scene like the
back of his hand.
* * * * *
PS I must stress that my post has NOTHING against the Polish people or
other Eastern Europeans. I have met some delightful Poles, including ravers.
This is about POLISH SECURITY GUARDS and security from other
countries NOT ACCUSTOMED TO THE UK RAVE SCENE.
Nothing against Poles themselves. I am sure that even any Poles reading
this will agree with my sentiments.
