Music officials around the world are contemplating increasing security in music halls for concerts in light of the terrorist attack carried out at the Bataclan in Paris on Nov. 13, according to Rolling Stone.
“Security often does a pretty good job of making sure people aren't bringing anything that could harm anyone else; however, there's not a wide use of metal detectors at most concerts, and I feel like this might be an eye-opening situation,” reports Rolling Stone.
There are those in the industry who think further measures need to be taken, and others who think nothing can really be done. This applies to consumers of the music industry as well.
At the Bataclan, there were no metal detectors. It is typical of smaller concert venues to have guards look through people’s bags and maybe pat someone down if they are wearing baggy clothing. Metal detectors are more commonly found in larger, arena type venues, but they aren’t at every one.
However, David T. Viecelli, the president of the independent touring industry Billions, stated, “It wouldn't matter what metal detector they had, or what bouncer they had at the door - when somebody shows up with Kalashnikovs, they're getting in. And take the obvious example of the people who were shot on the street at cafes. You cannot protect against this.”
Beyond just the idea of whether or not further security measures would be effective, the situation presents ideological perspectives that carry weight.
Scott Muhlestein, a sophomore English major from Utah, said, “I would be careful about adding more security, because by responding in a fearful way you’re playing into the terrorists’ hands. They want you to be scared. And the more scared you are, the more control that gives them.”
But that doesn’t always stop people from reacting in a ‘better safe than sorry’ way. Several artists who were touring at the time of the attacks cancelled shows in France as well as in other parts of Europe. Bands such as U2, Foo Fighters, and Walk the Moon cancelled shows after the events both out of desire to pay respects for those who were lost that tragic night, as well as to keep their fans safe in the event of further fatal plots.
There are other logistical concerns the industry must take into consideration. The two most prominent being the impatience of crowds with increased security slowing down lines and the cost of increased security.
Jacob Gold, a sophomore science major from Laie, made the point, “Some concert halls aren’t doing very well as it is, and increased security would mean increased ticket prices which would then mean less people.”
Officials in the music industry acknowledge that. John Scher, New York concert promoter with over 30 years of experience behind him made very similar remarks to Gold’s, stating some venues may not wish to put as much money into security that increases would require because of current ticket prices.
While concert promotion companies such as Live Nation and AEG plan to increase security at the venues they own, ultimately, whether or not security will increase rests on the shoulders of many venues themselves.