Don’t want to get hurt? STAY OFF THE STAGE! 

 


By now you’ve probably heard/read the story about The Story So Far lead singer Parker Cameron kicking a fan off the stage because she was trying to take a selfie. Does it suck? Absolutely. Is Parker a d-bag? In my eyes, yes (and after reading up on him, I feel that way for many reasons). Was he justified? To me, yeah…he kind of was. Fans need to realize that the stage is a band’s workplace. If they don’t want you up there, don’t go up.

 

Lamb of God had a fan die after attending one of their shows because the fan was pushed off the stage (allegedly by the singer, Randy Blythe, after instructing the fans not to go up) and security wasn’t present to deal with the fans. That landed the lead singer in prison because the authorities believed it was Randy who shoved the fan resulting in his death (read his book “Dark Days” because Randy goes into a LOT of detail about it). Daly thinks that’s a lesson for bands to be weary about dealing with fans…how about this: it’s be a lesson for fans to stay off the stage! It’s dangerous.

 

This greatly affected the mentality of Lamb of God because they recently cancelled a tour over security concerns….and got torn a new one for it. Why is it when the band tries to do the right thing people crap all over them. WHY?! Why are we ragging on bands for looking out for their own safety? If the band was to walk off as we’ve seen that done in the past with bands getting stuff thrown at them. One of the scariest stories I ever read involved Munky of Korn having a knife (A KNIFE) thrown at him & stuck in his guitar. Be honest: where would your faith in security lie if that were you? Speaking of…

 

If it’s not the band that’ll beat the snot out of you, it’s security because the band doesn’t want you up on stage. Getting punched/kicked by a 180lbs singer is one thing but by a 300lbs guard? Which would you rather? And, speaking of: security being that size aren’t always the slightest of foot. Sometimes (in that split second decision) the band members will act. You can argue it was wrong how they acted (and we all know that you will), but they will because it’s their space.

 

To say things like “hey, we paid our ticket & want to blow off steam” that’s fine. Bands understand and so do I. Here’s how you do it: scream your lungs out to the songs, take part in the pit, go crowd surfing. That doesn’t do it for you, go for a run after the show. There is NO NEED to get up on the stage. I paid for my ticket just like a lot of people & I sure as hell didn’t buy it in hopes that average Joe was going to rush the stage!

 

Let’s spin this a little. How many times have you watched a highlight  similar to this:

And how many times did you think “NO! HE CAN’T DO THAT TO THE FAN! That guy was just blowing off steam! He paid to get in, it’s his right!” I’m guessing 9 of 10 times, people laughed & thought “buddy had it coming.” Why?

 

Because he went onto the field…“the office” for those professionals and the wasn’t supposed to be there. Same idea. Why are people not of this mindset all the time? Bands don’t show up at your workplace into the restricted areas. Yes, their job is fun and different than the regular 9-to-5er, but that’s still their workplace.

 

Here’s a copy of the statement issued by the victim:

Statement

First off, good on her for owning up; that does take a lot of guts. Second, noticed how she admitted she was drunk? Not saying that’s an excuse but for a band, that’s also a fear. If the crowd is drunk/riled up on something, you’re in danger. That’s a fact. And if security can’t get to you in time….well…it’ll go down, it’ll go down fast and there could be painful consequences.

Dimebag

We really shouldn’t have to say much more than that. Do Not Go Up On Stage. Please. Even if they invite you, don’t.

(….as for Parker being a d-bag for other reasons, like how he conducted himself in this interview.)

 

Thanks for reading & stay connected with me on Twitter: @ChrisFudali