How to avoiding injuries at Chicago shows

In the wake of the stage collapse at a Calgary, Alberta music fest and will Lollapalooza just days away, concert safety is on the forefront of the news to prevent another tragedy. 

While in Canada where the weather factored into the accident, human ignorance is largely at part for the majority of the famed concert mishaps of our time:  The 1969 free Rolling Stones show at Altamont Speedway where security- which turned out to be hired gang members, kicked a man to death; Pearl Jam’s Denmark fan stampede which trampled eight people near the stage; Great White’s pyrotechnic accident in Rhode Island that killed 100. 

 

Concert goer stupidity has become so out of control that law websites are actually advertising to take concert injury cases knowing that security can’t keep up with the demand of people rushing the medical tents or offices.

In fact according to a 1999 study by Grange and colleagues, concert attendees are 2.5 times more likely to visit the medical tent at a rock concert than other types of shows. 

The study also sites where most common accidents are dehydration, dislocated joints, bumps, bruises, breathing problems, fainting, even classical music shows have their fair share of injuries and have the highest rate of heart attacks or cardiac arrest, and Gospel/Christian shows hold the record for the most visits with medical personnel.

Where smaller venues see more of the overcrowding problems due to the box office or ticket broker over selling the capacity of the building creating problems with fainting, pushing/mosh pit injuries- mostly to those trying to not get into the pit that run out to space to move without getting encompassed .

Chicago by far is no innocent bystander when it comes to concert accidents either as TortsProf Blog, cites a few you may have heard of:

-A woman is suing Lupe Fiasco claiming an injury in 2007 when the star “fell on her” during a Chicago show.  Her lawsuit indicates “he gave no sign he was going to jump off the stage” and is asking for $50,000 in damages for lost wages, physical, and emotional trauma.

-In 2002, a fan seeing U2 at Solider Field slipped in urine in the bathroom and broke his leg.

-In 1998, a female fan was hit in the face with a CD being tossed into the audience and suffered an eye injury.

-A fan seeing The Fixx needed stitches after the band tossed CD’s into the audience and one struck him in the ear.

Watching what is going on around you and taking care of yourself and those in your group at shows is name of the game.  As where I don’t feel bands are at fault for accidents caused by ignorance and neglect of audience members, anything that can be prevented- PREVENT IT!

Remember that your “having a good time” shouldn’t in any way cause harm to the people around you and use a little common sense when tossing your beer cup so the people behind you don’t trip.  Don’t keep pushing up closer to the stage for the safety of the people on the railing.  Don’t get so damn aggressive in the crowd.  YOU WOULDN’T WANT IT TO BE YOU THAT GETS HURTS SO WHY CREATE THE SITUATION FOR SOMEONE ELSE.

 

It’s sad that some people need that reminder.  Shows are a beautiful thing and some legit accidents are going to happen, but those we can prevent might as well because if we don’t bands are going to be afraid to play out and then what are you left with?

 

That whole element of live music is what some of us live for, save our every dime for- imagine not having that anymore because bands and venues can’t afford to insure the events.

 

Safe concert going to all……