So I started my new job yesterday...

...as a security guy, for rock concerts.

My uncle's worked for this protection company a few years, and he suggested I go down and help him guard the new year's eve Tragically Hip show at Copps Coliseum in Hamilton, Ontario. I thought, "I can get paid to stand around for eight hours and see a rock concert? Beats hanging around here watching Regis Philbin... sign me up."

Well, my uncle convinced his boss to give me the Stage Left position so I could guard the bands going on and off, make sure nobody unauthorized got onstage, keep an eye on the barrier between the fans and the band's family, and scope out what the guitar techs were doing. I also guarded the monitor mix board while the support acts were on.

There were about 9000 people in the auditorium (a hockey arena... the ice was still there, with just a layer of plywood between it and everyone's feet), and my interaction with the fans was pretty much limited to that arms-crossed glowering that all "event staff" are required to affect. I had to ask some guys who were yelling at the band from the backstage entrance to return to their seats, and warn a couple of people not to sit behind the stage.

But for the most part, I just stood around and watched three fairly decent bands (the Hugh Dillon Redemption Choir, the Weakerthans, and finally the Hip who rang in the new year with some massive indoor fireworks). The Hip's drummer gave me a drumstick and I got a setlist off Gord Downie. I think I've found my new summer job: concerts every day, a chance to fraternize with the tech guys, and a snazzy red golf shirt with "SECURITY" written on the back.

Sounds cool but what if you get to deal with some agressive drunk tosser? Will you be able to handle it?

That sounds like a sweet gig Botley!

Yup

1. Stay more than an arm's length away
2. Don't stand face-to-face, turn to the side so you can move away faster
3. Keep your arms down
4. Speak slowly and politely
5. If he gets violent, call for help and eject the bastard

And should someone rush toward the stage, I have my rugby tackle perfected!

That's very cool, Botley. Be careful, there are ALWAYS nutters at rock concerts. I find it amazing that the bloke who shot Dimebag Darrell from Pantera could enter the DamagePlan concert.

Use the 'Sonny Barger' method of crowd control...a pool cue!

It'll be neat until you have to work a Simple Plan concert.

Hopefully I should be able to pick and choose which shows to work from now until summertime. If they're at all like Saturday night then I should be in for a great year!

People on the T.H. board were appreciative of our efforts, at any rate.

Man, that's a pretty awesome job you got going!

Sounds good to me!

yea if i was strong i would love to do that

that sounds awesome man
hopefully if i get lucky i might be able to work at a huge film/music festival in Austin called South by Southwest next spring break