Got to venue later than planned due to transport problems but thought we'd still be in time to see Goldblade who we knew were first band on and due on stage at 5:10 p.m. With great foresight venue didn't open doors until 5 o'clock so Goldblade did most of set to no more than a few dozen people - especially as not only was everyone being searched before being allowed in but all studded belts had to be removed ( as they were apparently less of a threat when in the owner's pocket or bag rather than when being worn
). Strange thing was that no-one really rebelled against any of this. The only slight aggravation was later on; they were not allowing pass- outs despite there being no food on sale ( when we queried this with Duty Manager he said venue aren't responsible for what's on flyers !? ). A few of us didn't fancy spending the whole evening in cramped conditions where the majority had been drinking solidly for 6 hours with nothing to eat apart from Pringles and so asked to be allowed to level 1 ( which was virtually empty). Manager referred us back to girl at box office who eventually relented - with the cheery salutation " Oh for fucks sake........ "At a time when we are constantly being told that traditional figures of authority such as police , medical staff etc. now receive less respect than they used to why do staff at gigs have such power over us?
( the Damned and Sham 69 were very good though
).
