Safety Tips 2003

(updated  31st August 2007)

Keywords: simulating people, simulating crowds, simulating crowd dynamics, workshops

Band Safety Tips - Night Club Fires and Stampedes
By James Blakely - Sept 3rd 2003

This past week we have seen some devastating tragedies in night clubs. The night club fire in Rhode Island and the stampede in Chicago cost many lives. This problem effects our industry. Safety is something that performers need to take into consideration.

The people at your shows are your fans. They are supporters and should be apart of the family. Their safety should be important to you. It would be terrible for any artist to have fans die at the show. That's why their safety should be insured.

We all know that a lot of bars and clubs that indie artists perform at are not up to code. Many of them are falling apart. That's why you should be extra careful when playing at a dump. Maybe you should reconsider gigs where possible problems could arise.

Since it is everyone responsibility to help in an accident, I wanted to write some common sense tips for band safety that you should do when playing any venue to help your band and your fans in case of an emergency.

1. Check the exits. This is so important. Make sure you know where all the exits, including emergency exits, are in a venue you are playing. Also make sure that the rest of the band and some people in the crowd know. Make sure that the exits are not locked but open for escape if necessary.

If an emergency happens and you are on stage, direct people to the exits. Don't panic, and get everyone calmed down. You are the Centre of attention. You have a microphone. Help get the people out.

2. Don't do stupid stunts. Something that sound real cool may put people in danger. If you don't have a professional operators, don't use fire or water during the show. Doesn't look real good to labels that you injured or killed a band mate or audience member. Plus you don't want to be sued.

3. Don't incite a riot or fighting. We all know that people like to mosh and dance, but don't let people get out of hand. Don't encourage something that could become dangerous.

4. Let employees of the venue know about people that are getting out of hand. I don't know how many fights I have seen at shows that could have been avoided if members of the band, who see people getting aggressive, reported them to the staff. Everyone there wants to have a good time, not worry about bullies in the audience.

5. Meet the staff. Meet the bartender, security and anyone else that works at the venue. Also ask them about their emergency plans. They have already set up a plan so find out what it is.

These tips may sound silly, but they can help you in a pinch. Be prepared and you will be better off. Don't be stuck in any situation without some sort of plan.

As with many of these news reports - I've been sent clippings and details from many people - could you please ensure that web links, copyright and other information is included - otherwise it takes me ages to track down the appropriate sources. We re-print these details in the interests of public safety and the numerous workshops and research activities we are involved in around the world. If you are going to quote from this website please check our disclaimer page. Also click here for links to other stadium disasters.