Like all of you, we at FRONT of HOUSE were shocked and saddened by the events in Paris on Friday November 13. [For more on the aftermath of the terror attacks, see related stories here and here.] The extensive news coverage and interviews of witnesses and survivors painted a horrific picture, but what hits home is that so-called “soft” targets — such as music venues, trains and restaurants are added to a growing list that once was largely confined to airports, embassies and military installations.
We all want to be secure and safely return after an evening out (or at work), but if truth be told, the chance of any ordinary citizen or business being the victim of a terror attack is exceedingly remote. This is not to say that we should completely exclude the rare possibility of such occurrences, but the odds of being hit by a drunk driver is far more likely, especially when you’re on the way home from a gig right after the bars let out.
Likewise, if an attack on a music venue has the effect of keeping people away from enjoying an evening of live music, then — without firing a single shot after the fact — the perpetrators of the original attack have achieved a long-term goal. That is something that’s simply unacceptable. Meanwhile, the return of U2 to Paris — for performances featuring Patti Smith and the Eagles of Death Metal on two sold-out nights at the AccorHotels Arena — just weeks after the Bataclan Theater tragedy makes a strong statement that the free world will not cower to terrorists.
Hopefully, performance venues will not become fortresses with airport-style security screening, ID checks, x-ray machines, body scanners (and the long lines and delays accompanying such scrutiny). Such measures could surely increase safety, but just as post-9/11 air travel was transformed from a fun experience to something no one looks forward to, the thought of that level of stringency applied to attending a nightclub or theater show is not good for the industry.
No one needs to attend the opera or a disco wearing body armor, but wherever we are — whether in a supermarket or a fast food joint — a little vigilance is never a bad idea. If some guy walks into a convenience store (or the venue you’re working) in the middle of July wearing a ski mask and a long woolen coat, you might just start considering your exit strategy. Just as flight attendants will tell you, the nearest exit may be behind you, and in the case of trouble, the front door isn’t always your best option. Here, diving out through the “employees only” back door (every retail store has one) could be a lifesaver — literally.
The “Other” Extremists
While I should emphasize that violent encounters (whether by terrorists, robbers or disgruntled postal employees) are rare, your personal spider sense needs to go beyond such possibilities. In fact, you are — by far — more endangered by extreme weather than extremists.
Past years seem to have more than their share of staging/rigging collapses (occasionally weather related), and with predictions of a wild winter ahead, conditions such as flash floods, mudslides, icy roads, whiteout conditions and more could be in store. In colder climates, the weight of heavy snow and ice buildup on any roof structure can create a potential collapse hazard. Similarly, on the west coast, earthquakes (although rare) are as much a cause for concern as are hurricanes to the south or tornados to the middle states. The danger is there, and unfortunately, it’s quite real.
Mindful of this, the Event Safety Alliance is offering two-day Severe Weather Summit training for event professionals from March 8 to 9, 2016. Visit www.eventsafetyalliance.com for details.
Be Prepared
In terms of safety — under any conditions — a little vigilance and common sense goes a long way. Certainly our focus is audio, but if you’re working a club gig and see the band’s bass player hooking up some flashpots or other pyro effects, it is your responsibility to get involved, and this is not a case where “well, it wasn’t my department” applies.
Anyway, be safe, be smart and without becoming completely paranoid, do keep aware of your surroundings. While in the midst of all the extra holiday gigs and traveling, do take some time to enjoy with friends and loved ones. And have a cool yule.
For George Petersen’s introduction to the December 2015 issue of FRONT of HOUSE Magazine, go to www.fohonline.com/foh-tv
