Keeping people away and yourself safe! (I need help)

[SolDios]

Ok, so at my last gig I had a big issue of people getting up onto the stage area and dancing all around my gear n shit, getting up on tables and all that crap. It was an amazing night but still got to the point where I had to get the bouncers to come and get them out. I had put tables and everything infront of the entrance to the stage but they just climbed up.

Im worried that I might have a gig with this happening with no bouncers, not being able to kick them out, and gear getting damaged. So I have some questions:

How can a small puny person like me keep people out of my area and kick them out if they do get in?

What can I do to keep them from bringing drinks to it?

How do I kick them out of the party entirely if they keep doing it/trying?

[Cupe]

It's not always up to you whether people get kicked out, sorry to say; it's not a nightclub.

Set up barriers, walls, razorwire etc.

Don't leave spaces for people to sit drinks on your shit, put up signs etc

If they don't fuck off do this:

Instantly cut the music*, and tell them all to fuck off or you won't start it again

* May not work out well if it's a bunch of rowdy drunk uncontrolled fucks and could make things worse

[SolDios]

Last bit sounds good, but im afraid if I cut the music il kill the vibe

I spose it hopefully wont be cut for long, hopefully anyway

Last gig at the back of my stage there was a door into another room blocked by all kinds of shit, but it was behind my setup near cables and I didn't like them being there. So next time il just pause the song and say (You guys back there, fuck off or the music doesn't start again)

Also some guys, (theres a safe sorta walk way that I had blocked by tables that went on and off to another door) that people walked down, some little shit decided to turn off the powerpoint for the lights. Now that I think about it, I sorta wish it was the switch for the speakers kinda, that way I could have caught them, and got the bouncers to kick them out for trying to sabotage the party.

[Cupe]

Dude it only takes a couple seconds of silence and the entire crowd looking at the 'troublemakers who made the music stop' for people to get the point

Just judge the crowd though, if they're ALL being fuckwits then they'll just rush you

[SolDios]

Yes, good point, il have to make sure I judge the scene right.

What do I do if no one will do anything (even the host)about it?

Call the cops on my own gig?

Sounds like the best bet, Just gota make sure they don't see me do it

Or text a mate the details and location and get him to call them for me

[Cupe]

What you need is prevention in the first place.

Have some lines drawn with the host beforehand. Plan and make sure it doesn't get to this point, but when it does, you and the host meet eye to eye or call the cops. The 'gig' is the persons party you're playing at, it's not your gig unless they're coming to a venue to see YOU. So fuck those cunts.

It's better that than have your shit wrecked.

Plan to prevent

[crundyy]

a table isnt really going to stop anyone bro. I reckon it'd make it easier to climb up to where the dj is dj'ing..

if you want to not be puny pm me your weight and height and ill hook you up with a 12 week cycle

[Lurk6r]

Ages ago a guy punched one of my lights.

- Cut the music.

- Get on the mic.

- Repeat after me. " Everybody stop. That guy over there. YES YOU, DONT TRY TO WALK AWAY FROM ME. GET THE FUCK OUT. "

- Then he'l act dumb.

- "If your going to then your gonna ruin it for everybody. No more music till he gets out."

- Resume party.

- He came back later and apologised. Tbh i thought i was gonna get jumped after the gig but it was cool.

[Cupe]

wise ^

[Lurk6r]

This is also a good way.

[andythemusician]

The Dave Grohl way, haha I like it.

A good trick I heard is to talk to the bouncers first up, and say that if they heard you cut the music for a split second, thats the cue to come over and see whats up.

But yeah, just be upfront like Lurk6r said.

A private party - a hard one. Need to make sure you know of any adults / security around (if its a young party). But calling the cops is totally acceptable if you feel shit is getting out of hand - after all, you don't want to get harassed to the point of being scared for your own security.

[fackedd]

[pundaddy]

keep a shotgun on your table, or slap people

[imadje]

Calling the cops has to be last resort however you think about it:

For you to hear the phone you either turn music off which means everyone kicks off, or hears what you are doing and riots.

Or you have to walk away to make the call and your stuff is trashed anyway.

Prevention is def better than cure on this one. Set boundaries and make allies before you start.

If you still have to cut music and tell some fuckwits to chill then your allies should help stir the crowd in your favour.

It's also part of the game though mate. Part of reading the dancefloor. If things are getting out of hand maybe play a few slower songs for couples... If your lucky the fuckwits will go get a drink or have a smoke.

[Robsta]

It might be a good idea to setup above ground, this will make you seem a bit more intimidating and prevent your shit from being touched.

[SolDios]

It was above ground, the stage area had a good 60cm elevation, I blocked off the stairs but they just climbed up.

[imadje]

yer, i wouldnt try and put obstacles in the way, they'll just gain elevation on them.

Better to rule the room, have some friends/allies to keep fuckwits under control and set the mood with the music you play.

[djbagz]

just take a few of your mates to the next gig if you think there might be some drama on stage, have then do all the security work if the host does not provide any lmfao...and if all else fails take a cricket bat and a few water guns...

p.s if u dont have mates that can handle the crowd flick me a msg ill get the tongan horse men on it asap....nwa,nsa, to the nop anti up,shyt i should be a emcee lmfao sorry had a few..churrr

[SolDios]

haha good idea

If i ever am in a stick situation where they will rush me if I turn off the music, and aint feeling safe, then Il text a few friends to call the cops and complain about it (even though there not there)

[bigwillystyle]

If I've got to do a party that's gonna get roudy or has the ability to get messy. I always take a mate, I'm lucky I have a few mates who are built large and stand 6'4 tall so they are quite intimidating.. I supply them with a 6 pack they give me a lift with the heavy gear.. we all get to see the young ones shake there asses and get their tits out.. happy days!!!

[mattus123]

at the moment ive been jsut doign friends parties

last gig i did i set up chairs infront of the decks, just to stop people dancing too close to the decks

i didnt have a problem with people coming up to me as most were friends wanting to chat (i monitored if they were holding a drink)...

not 100% sure if this post is going to be helpful or not... hopefully it is

[imadje]

edit:

and if all else fails take a few water guns...

^just noticed this, in case anyone is in any doubt this is probably the worst advice possible regarding how to stay safe around electrical equipment.

Just sayin.

[andythemusician]

in case anyone is in any doubt this is probably the worst advice possible regarding how to stay safe around electrical equipment.

Just sayin.

And yet promotors and clubs keep wanting paint parties, foam parties and beach parties. In addition to loud music and flashy lights.

Should hunt down a picture of a hazer from work, after it came back from a gig we did in a club for a paint party. Bloody. Hell!

[SourceRaver]

[SourceRaver]

1) Observe retard with drink approaching Dj booth. Wait till they get reasonably close...

2) ...Kill the music!

3) Point at retard with drink and pretend its as all their fault

4) Enjoy look on retards face

5) Continue playing music or take opportunistic toilet/fag break and tell everyone your just waiting for the equipemnt to 'dry'

Easy...