I’ll write out a summary of critical events, however, the whole thing
was caught on tape and broadcast live over the net from several
different perspectives.
We arrived at the park to unload around 1.
Sound setup took longer than anticipated, and we got underway at 5 instead of 4.
Groopies played a 45 minute or so set.
During Groopies set, I watched the crowd and noticed an attendee with
an open beer can in his hand, he was immediately ejected.
at 6 or so Caution Inc. hit the stage.
During their set, I had a discussion with a police officer regarding
noise. I was informed that the seniors were annoyed. I explained to
him that we had 20 minutes left to Cautions set, and two bands to go.
We turned down as much amplification as we could, and I specifically
asked the sound man to turn down the guitars and vocals as they were
the higher pitched.
I returned to the stage, where again, an attendee overstepped bounds,
climbed over the snow fencing protecting the shrubbery, and I
PERSONALLY THREW A 200lb PUNK off the stage. He was also ejected.
Black Cat Attack hit the stage after Caution, and this is where I lose
track of time.
Derek reported to the park somewhere around this time, and we
discussed going late, we were told as long as it wasn’t too long it
would be ok.
Black Cat Attack knew they were having a shorter set.
We rushed 3Tards on stage as fast as we could after BCA’s set (about
20 to 8), and they were only 4 songs in when it was shut down. The
rest of what transpired from my POV is in my previous email….
****
incredible would be a word, depending how you use it. According to
John, punks across Canada are touting it as the biggest thing since
DOA was shut down by the cops in the 70’s.
We made history, but not at all the history I, or any of the talent
had their hearts set on. We raised $0 for Cancer, and are out of
pocket enormous amounts considering our personal situations.
We asked the police to remove one individual, and next thing we knew,
a fleet of Durhams’ finest were pulling up onto the grass, I was
yanked off the stage mid performance, asked for my paperwork, and
while I was looking for it, the plug was pulled on the show. I had to
calm and disperse a crowd of irate teenagers without a mic under
threat of arrest. My 8 year old daughter was in TEARS at how violently
the authorities treated us.
I am angry beyond what is humanly palpable.
I had already placed my request on the agenda for Monday to submit my report.
I intend to demand an explanation.
*****
According to my security guy:
The police had been present in the afternoon leisurely style, not sure
if they were off duty or what, but they had been chatting up my
security guy, Randall MacDonald. Before the Tards hit the stage, they
had discussed that if he needed someone ejected from the pit, to
simply point them out, and that they would assist. The pit got started
when the Tards started playing, and pits gett rough. One girl got out
of hand, and mouthed off my Security. He attempted to subdue her
verbally, and she responded by throwing a body at him (this happens in
mosh pits). He then called the officer’s attention.
The police then engaged this girl in an altercation, which resulted in
her being taken down Rodney King style (knees in her back and
everything) off away from the crowd.
Next thing I knew, I was yanked off the stage, and all hell broke
loose. I’m still recovering mentally.
The officers were abusive and aggressive.
In my frank observation, City Officials were not equipped to handle
the negotiations between parties, their aim was simply to shut it
down. He had told us that going overtime was ok, and his staff member
was there to witness it. The cops used that as the official reason to
get us off site.