One day after Northlane took a stand against a notorious UK venue security guard, whose abuse halted one of their recent shows, the band have taken to social media to confirm the guard has been fired from his position.
As Tone Deaf reported yesterday, Northlane took to Facebook over the weekend to lambast a security guard who allegedly assaulted several punters during a performance at The Talking Heads, a venue in Southampton, UK.
“Southampton, apologies about stopping our set,” guitarist Josh Smith wrote on Facebook. “I left the stage and interjected when I saw the head of security for the venue throw a kid that was crowdsuring [sic] up against the wall by the throat and rough him up.”
“During this incident he threatened to end the show for all of you guys. Further claims of other incidents of abuse came up at the end of the show from fans that were leaving, even one with a bleeding nose claiming he’d been punched in the face by a security guard.”
“The security also intimidated, threatened and insulted us, members of other bands on the tour, some of our crew and our friends after the show,” Smith continued. “They attempted to start a physical altercation with Gus from Volumes.”
“We have also been told the guard that was involved in the initial abuse even has a Facebook page that’s been made for people to speak up against him, a repeat offender of violence against people he’s being paid protect in an environment where he can get away with it.”
Smith concluded by claiming that the band are pursuing action against the guard who was the main instigator of the violence. “We won’t stand for this shit and I won’t let it pass. Action is being taken as far as we can against the guard in question,” he wrote.
Just an update for you, the abusive security guard from Southampton has been fired from his position as a result of actions against him.
— Northlane (@Northlane) October 12, 2015
The band’s post resulted in numerous comments from witnesses who attended the performance and from frequent Talking Heads punters familiar with the guard in question, who has an alleged history of abuse towards patrons.
“Just an update for you,” the band have since taken to Twitter to write, “the abusive security guard from Southampton has been fired from his position as a result of actions against him.” It’s not clear just what “actions” were pursued.
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One fan of the Sydney outfit who was particularly happy to hear the news is James Tuckey, who was allegedly victimised by the guard on the night. The guard, who has not been identified, reportedly assaulted Tuckey after he was crowd surfing.
“This is fantastic news,” Tuckey wrote. “Security guards at shows need to be able to adapt to the shows they are attending. Aforementioned guard had the mentality that everyone was there to fight and cause trouble!
“Everyone there was looking out for each other, the pits were good natured and crowd surfers were being supported by all! The last thing we need is a security guard making us feel like we are acting anti socially… In this environment we are a family, we are one.”
