2009-08-08 Underworld @ HardFest Los Angeles Aug 8th

[Dirty Canuck]

Raw deal.....
I'm sure this will be the last Hard Fest after all the refunds are paid out and the acts are paid.
My heart goes out to all that were there. I'm sure some of you had been waiting a long time for last night. I'm sure the boys will make it right asap.

[dubnobasswithme]

just saw that link through a blog post on latimes.com. check out the 2:20 mark for people rushing by security and jumping off the balcony onto the main floor.

[darktrain]

Originally Posted by dubnobasswithme

just saw that link through a blog post on latimes.com. check out the 2:20 mark for people rushing by security and jumping off the balcony onto the main floor.

And amidst that rush of idiots was me, grabbing onto my girlfriend and backing up as far as I could in hopes of not getting pushed over the edge or trampled, while trying my best to shield her from flying feet, elbows, and heads. It was A LOT scarier than from the video's POV.

As soon as that first literal wave was over, I spotted Ultradave (shame we didn't meet under better circumstances!) and took a seat. After about 10 minutes of no visible progress I still felt unsafe and figured it best to leave before the place turned into a riot. At least I made the right call and didn't actually miss an uw performance.

So yeah. Still completely dumbfounded and while I'm certain there is no ONE party to blame for this (Hard promotion, Forum "security", etc) the people I'm really pissed at are the subhuman mutants who time after time continue to pay money in order to go to public events as an excuse to act a damn fool. In this case the mutant:human ratio was weighted too much in the wrong direction.

Pissed about the money lost, pissed about being cheated out of the best show on earth, pissed about my wasted night...but the worst part is that feeling of helplessness and dread when the surge of idiots went flowing past and there was nothing to do but hang on.

I'm glad to read the boys don't take this as an indicator of LA fans. Just please please please play your own shows from now on!

[ultradave]

Originally Posted by darktrain

And amidst that rush of idiots was me, grabbing onto my girlfriend and backing up as far as I could in hopes of not getting pushed over the edge or trampled, while trying my best to shield her from flying feet, elbows, and heads. It was A LOT scarier than from the video's POV.

Very true. I wasn't amidst the crowd - but we were sitting right next to the entrance where it happened. btw - Darktrain - nice meeting you - what are the odds that amidst such havoc we'd cross paths..? Hopefully next time it'll be under better circumstances. Glad to hear that none of the dirties were injured, or anyone else really for that matter. One thing is certain, there was just not enough staff or organization for the event.

I'm glad to be getting a refund, however, I'm still saddened as to not be seeing the lads from underworld. Had things gone right, it would have been a really great gig.

[bazwint]

Really sorry to hear about all bad shit going on, but glad everyone's ok.

Just wanted to add my 2c to Cured's suggestion - a return Coachella would be awesome. Man, two hours of UW in the Sahara....

[Rabbitwork]

Hello Dirts!

This is my first post; I found this board (again) after getting psyched to see Underworld for the first time after being a fan for 10+ years at HARD Summer. I was hoping to come home with an awesome story of how I finally got to see some of my musical heroes blow the roof off and share in the love of the UW community. As we all know that did not happen.

I'd like to dispel any rumors that the crowd was unruly from the get-go. Sure there were a large number of children (and they were children, for that's exactly how they acted) in attendance. However, children, like anyone else, can be controlled and contained and directed.

Apparently the fest organizers felt it was unnecessary to have no more than a dozen or so guards posted around the arena at the start of the show. I know, I counted them. Any guards/staff I spoke to about where to go, where I can/can't sit, etc were a) clueless b) terribly unhelpful and rude or c) both. There were a myriad of problems throughout the night. And it seems like my GF and my friend got out of there just in time (the house lights came up around 11:45 and we bolted. One guard was nice enough to let us out, all the other hired-stiffs (of which there were now suddenly dozens and dozens) would ignore us or refuse to the opened the CHAIN-LOCKED doors.

[TheBang]

I agree with Rabbitwork. Yes, some of the kids were idiots, but I still feel the majority of the blame rests with the promoter. With proper staffing, a bigger venue (or fewer tickets sold), better communication/instructions/signage, there wouldn't have been issues with people being in the fire lanes and people feeling like the only way to get to the floor is to jump.

[mmm skyscraper]

Underworld is the first thing to come up on a search for Hardfest on Google News:

http://blogs.laweekly.com/westcoasts...est-statement/

[klingklang]

I'm so sorry for those that traveled to this show and had this disaster happen (hopefully no one got seriously injured!).

[cured]

Horrible, horrible, horrible. From the promoter to the crowd, this event was an utter disaster, one that hopefully puts Gary Richards out of business.

Rick & Karl, you are welcome back anytime, my only advice is to stay away from an LA massive. A one-off event at the Mayan or something or perhaps a return trip to Coachella, would be great. The whole massive scene has really deteriorated over the course of the decade and events are attended by teenagers who have the utmost contempt for authority and the people around them. It was really sad to see but, in a way, not all that surprising.

You've a really loyal fanbase in LA and we're looking forward to hearing from you guys in the LA area soon. I'm really sorry the US experience you've had this weekend was as bizarre as it was but we'll more than make up for it the next time around!