Introduction to Overcrowded Concert Experiences
Over the years, attending concerts and events has been a thrilling experience for many music lovers. However, overcrowded venues can turn a joyful event into a nightmarish one. This article delves into some personal experiences from different times and places, providing insights into the challenges and joys of such experiences.
Personal Experience: 1987 Auckland Concert
One of the most memorable, yet terrifying, experiences came in 1987 at the Western Springs Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand. This concert held an audience of 80,000 enthusiastic fans.
Opening the show was the local band Nightshade, with Jimmy Barnes and Michael Hutchence performing Proud Mary. However, after the band took the stage, a group of Rouges started throwing empty beer bottles at the artists. Jimmy Barnes intervened, reminding the audience that they vastly outnumbered the troublemakers.
The situation escalated when lights out and smoke began to fill the stage. ZZ TOP then took the stage with their song 'Got Me Under Pressure,' which sent the crowd into a frenzy. One of the attendees brought a large marijuana joint and shared it with the crowd, illustrating the unique bond one could form under the influence of music.
Midway through the concert, the joint had significantly shrunk in size, indicating the quick consumption and the unique atmosphere. However, the night marred by two gangs—Mongrel Mob and the Black Power—throwing Molotov cocktails and starting fires took a turn for the worse. This event arguably surpassed even the chaos depicted in the Woodstock 1999 documentary, as reported by the Daily Telegraph.
Concerts with My Husband: Woodstock 1999
Shared experiences with my husband, such as attending the Woodstock 1999 festival, also provided some contrasting insights. This event held two main stages and one or two smaller stages. While some performances became overcrowded, we decided to leave early due to my husband needing to return to work the next day. Hence, we were fortunate enough not to witness the absolute craziness and violence graphically portrayed in the documentary.
The crowd anxiety and the pressure of too many people in a small space were significant issues at Woodstock 1999. We left the event early as a precautionary measure to avoid potential panic, which was particularly relevant due to my personal struggle with crowd anxiety.
Other Overcrowded Concerts
Over the years, I have attended several other concerts that were overcrowded but none were as chaotic as the one in Auckland or Woodstock. The Astroworld concert in Texas, which was tragically marred by violence and loss of life, stands out as one of the most tragic examples in recent history.
While the occasions shared might seem extreme, they highlight the importance of safety and effective crowd management at large events. The experiences of these overcrowded concerts also reveal the shared thrill and camaraderie one can find in the midst of chaos, making the moments unforgettable.