Barry Fey

A legend in the rock promotion world has died.  Barry Fey put Denver on the map promoting acts that included The Greatful Dead, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, U2, The Stones, Bruce Springsteen and countless others.

He helped save the Denver Symphony that transformed to become the successful Colorado Symphony orchestra.

He wrote a book in 2011 titled Backstage Past, his memoir of his career and of his personal life struggles.  It seems to be a very honest read, I didn't personally know him.  We did promote some of the same acts.  He admits to being a less than perfect human in the very fast moving world of live entertainment.  That's why I have recommended the book for those getting into the field.  His stories take you right there at moments both mundane and the very important.  It's a window on the world pre-mega giants Live Nation/ Ticketmaster and AEG. I reread the book over the weekend and when I opened it found the spine was broken.  It's a little like the rock world without the individual greats, who were the entrepreneurs who made the industry what it was, before the huge multinationals took the lead . 

RIP Barry Fey.

9 Tips to Stay Safe at While at Live Events

In light of what has happened in Boston, I wish to send out heartfelt condolences to  those who are suffering from the bombing.  Senator Elizabeth Warren said "Every year during the Marathon, we are one family.  We cheer for each other and carry each other across the finish line.  When tragedy strikes, we are also one family.  We hurt together, and we help together." 

People from all over the world were running, their families and friends were there cheering them on.  Volunteers lined the course  to make the Marathon the best that it could be and first responders were there to aid when needed.  The live event industry is my passion and my home and it is truly painful when I see any type of tragedy that affects the participants, first responders and the promoters and managers of the event.  We, in the industry must reexamine our security plans and redouble our efforts to keep every one safe.

I recently interviewed Division Chief James R. Dixon of the Sunrise Florida Fire Department.  Here are his and my suggestions that may help you and your party keep more safe at live events:

1.  Know more than one way out.  We are so accustomed to exiting the way that we entered that people often don't identify an alternate way out.  When you arrive identify at least one secondary exit, which may not be the closest.  For example, on an airplane the best alternative maybe behind you.  If the masses are streaming towards the front of the venue, you may consider traveling along a wall, in the opposite direction and find a completely free exit.

2.  Identify where multiple sets of stairs and elevators are located.  Do not use an elevator during a fire.  The electricity may fail, trapping you inside.

3.  Large events both indoors and outdoors should have medical support staff.  In permanent venues, these should be well marked.  At outdoor festivals, concerts or special events first aid stations may be tents with or without an ambulance nearby.  If handouts of maps are available use them to find the station(s) and make sure each of your party knows where it is and what the best route to reach it is.

4.  Be aware and monitor your surroundings.  For example: if a conflict is developing between two or more people, move away and if need be report the incident to security.  If you see an unattended package, backpack or similar item, report it to security.  Stay aware of who is around you.  Listen to your "little voice" -  move away from anyone that makes you feel uncomfortable.  Do not engage someone who is angry, drunk or aggressive.  In elevators do not get on if someone is already on that makes you feel uneasy.  Get off on the wrong floor and take another if someone enters that you don't want to be alone with.  Never  discuss personal information where others can hear, for example your room number, count money, wear flashy expensive jewelry or expose expensive electronics.  Don't stand by trash receptacles, mail boxes or other similar places where a device may be hidden.  Don't stand in front of large windows  which may shatter and hit you with shards of glass.

5.  If an emergency happens, move away and find an exit, report the incident to security.  Don't get in the way of emergency responders trying to do their jobs.

6.  Listen and follow the instructions given over public address systems.  Authorities may well have information that you don't have, for example incoming bad weather, potential criminal or adverse incident developing within or outside of the venue.  Promoters and entertainers don't postpone or cancel events for frivolous reasons, so move if you're instructed to and don't argue with security, ushers or stewards.  That will only slow down the evacuation process, potentially costing injuries or even lives.

7. Discuss with each member of your party where to meet should you be separated.  Don't rely solely on cell phones.  Sometimes reception may not be optimum and invariably someone forgets to charge their phone.  Special planning must be taken with children.  Suggestions include: have the child stay where they are, have adults find them.  Train little ones to ask a woman with children for help.  Most Moms will jump into action comforting and helping young children.

8.  Should the event be a target of a terrorist attack (chemical or gas) explicitly follow the instructions for decontamination  and medical triage.  First responders train for these events and provide your best chance to survive.

9.  Attempt to control your emotions and focus on the task at hand.  Follow your preplanned strategies and try not add to chaos by screaming and  panicking. That won't help you or others.

The next blog in the series will help you deal with what do to if the unthinkable happens and you must save yourself and others.

9 Great Tips to Stay Safe at Events

Prepare before you go:

1. Check the weather before you go, be prepared to leave if bad weather threatens.  Please do consider your life and safety more important than missing part of a show or even the whole thing!  Stages in outdoor facilities have collapsed in high winds that often arrive with the front, before the worst weather starts (Indiana State Fair).  Dress in layers for temperature changes.  Start hydrated and eat a good meal before you go in case there are long lines at refreshment stands.
2. Check the traffic reports for delays or detours.  Leave extra time if you're going to a new or temporary venue ( such as an open field festival).
3. Leave valuables at home.  Don't take anything that you can't afford to lose such as expensive jewelry  electronics or clothing.  Don't set yourself up as a potential crime victim.
4. Invest in a personal alarm or pepper spray, especially if you will be going to venues at night or using possibly poorly lit parking lots or walkways.  Carry a small pen lite or flashlight on your key chain or in your bag.
5. Check gate openings/closing times.  Arrange your arrival and departure to avoid the heaviest crowds.  Ingress and egress are the most dangerous times for injuries.
6. Plan to arrive early enough to locate the exits, security, first aid and guest services.  Knowing where restrooms and water fountains are located is pretty useful information also.  Never, ever under any circumstances stay in a venue that has only one exit.  The recent fire tragedy at a club in Brazil should not have happened.  
7. Let family or a friend know if you are attending an event that might generate any foreseeable incidents; such as a political rally on a controversial topic.  Do this also if you are attending a huge event such as New Year's Eve in Times Square or a multi-day festival.  Check in when you get home safely.
8. Take last minute digital pictures of you and your party on your cell phone.  These can be quickly uploaded to staff and officials if someone goes missing.  Consider wearing brightly colored clothing or another distinguishing items (maybe matching hats with 4 foot tall feathers) to make it easier to keep everyone in sight.  Everyone, even the littlest ones who are mobile should have id in their pockets. 
9. Carry ear plugs if you're going to go to a very loud event, and don't forget child sized ones if you're taking the wee ones. 

Next: How to Stay Safe When You Arrive