WORKING EVENT SECURITY:
MY REFLECTIONS AFTER 20 YEARS
I first discovered the world of event security over twenty years ago at a job fair at a time when my corrections job was in jeopardy of becoming redundant. I had done site security positions in the past, which I thought were incredibly boring and not very satisfying but at least provided some employment. On the positive side, I got an inside look at different places I would never have encountered otherwise such as banks and customer service centers. I was fortunate with my first event security company that they had many good contracts including the Vancouver Civic Theatres, Deer Lake Park, The River Rock and Thunderbird Arena.
For me, event security has always been a side hustle, an opportunity to earn some extra money while getting into some very high and (not so high) profile events. I also reasoned that the price of tickets was so high why not be paid instead of paying these exorbitant prices. There are times when I am back of house and get a behind the scenes perspective that others will never see.
The first event is always the most memorable, that was Bruce Springsteen at the Pacific Coliseum — — 2003. I was in the first line of defense, doing full pat-downs. What a work out, I was sweating after ten minutes as each person coming through involved having to do a squat as I searched from head to feet. Afterwards, my legs felt like jelly from the hundreds of squats. Once the show began, I was roving in an enjoyable but uneventful atmosphere. What happened next however has never happened before. Our supervisor called us together and said, “Due to the length of the show, our contract is up, you can go home or stay and watch the show”. I found a seat and watched the rest of a spectacular show.
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In addition to seeing great shows, there are occasions when you get to interact with the talent. Meeting an idol can be a precarious situation, as you never know how they are going to receive you. There is that old saying about, “never meet your idol because they will let you down. Fortunately, I can say that my encounters have always been positive. My first brush with fame came at a Michael Buble concert as Deer Lake Park. I was at the vendor’s gate prior to the show checking passes and opening the gate to let them do their set-ups. Suddenly, this nondescript, average looking person, pokes his head through the gate and says, “Can I come through here?” “I will need to see your pass”, I replied. “I don’t have one”, he said. “Then I can’t let you in” I stated. He gave me this quizzical look and pleaded, “But I’m Michael Buble”, he said. At that time, I had no idea about Michael Buble; fortunately, I had his picture on my pass sheet, gave him a quick scan and said, “Oh, I guess you are.” He had driven up in the family car, introduced me to everyone, had a pleasant conversation, shook hands and I opened the gate. A real professional.
I have heard on other occasions where security did not recognize a performer without credentials and refused them access from Tal Bachman to Sir Bono. On the other hand, when U2 were doing rehearsals at BC Place, Bono made a point of introducing himself to me and shaking my hand, “Hi I’m Bono, what’s your name?” “Thanks for keeping us safe.” Smokey Robinson also made a point of introducing himself backstage, “Hi, how are you doing? A firm handshake and a big smile.
On another occasion, I was working Tom Cochrane and Red Rider at the River Rock in Richmond. My supervisor and I provided Tom a personal escort from his hotel room to the back stage. Our route had us taking Tom through the kitchen and down the storage elevator. Tom was curious to know if there were any younger people in the audience, I replied “It’s like Disney bringing old movies out of the storage vault every seven years to a new audience” Tom replied, “I like that”, then gave me a big hug. Again, a real gentleman.
There have been cancelled shows due to a lack of sales or sick band members. It is always disappointing for the fans who pay their money, book accommodations and take time off from work expecting to see a good show only to go home disappointed.
Usually, cancellation occurs well before the event; still I was disappointed when my first Kiss concert in Squamish did not go ahead, Christina Aguilera stuck at the border and Neil Young cancelling at Deer Lake due to sickness. Worse yet, is when the crowd arrives in the venue but the band cannot perform. John Fogerty at the River Rock cancelled due to sickness, by then the doors had opened and seats began to fill. The house had to do a refund and wait until everyone finished his or her drinks before we could clear the house. Most of the time the crowd responds in an empathetic manner and security can breathe a sigh of relief. Drake’s cancellation at Rogers Arena went surprisingly well due to advance news however, a large disappointed crowd was sent away without issue thanks I believe to the sympathetic way staff responded to the situation. Similarly, at last year’s Summer Concert Series where Darryl Hall stepped in after Blondie cancelled. Unfortunately, Darryl only performed two songs before he bowed out due to Covid illness. Thankfully, the crowd was very respectful in wishing him well unlike the riot that occurred earlier in the season when Li’l Baby did not show up resulting in property damage and assaults.
Luckily, for me, the closest I ever came to a riot situation was a Persian concert many years ago at the Queen Elizabeth theatre. I was working stage right in front of a group of noisy fans who were insisting they were, “Part of the band”. Suddenly, during the third song, a police officer walked on stage, said something in the performer’s ear and walked him off stage. The crowd erupted, people booing, the fans in front of me, yelling “what the f*ck”, tension filled the room as the seconds slowly and agonizingly went by. I became the lightning rod for their questions and frustration. My radio communication was silent, no information whatsoever. I tried to calm my section by explaining to people that I will let you know as soon as I hear anything, “Please remain calm” I pleaded. Then after what felt like an eternity, the performer ran onto stage, continued his song as though nothing had happened and finished his performance without a word of explanation. I never did find out what had occurred.
Twenty years later, after having worked over 500 concerts and more than 1000 sports events, I look forward to another twenty years, health willing. The beauty of event security is that there are no age limits and you can manage your own schedule. While you cannot always guarantee what positions you may get at an event you can decide what events you want to work and when. If you are good with people and enjoy a high stimulus environment this industry may be for you.
