Brutus Gold, with flares, medallion and the Lovetrain cast, boogied into the O2 Leeds Academy on May 1 bringing 1970s disco grooves to a capacity audience of 2,000. Event security contractor Showsec has worked with the venue since 1992 when it was the Town and Country Club where the original Lovetrain was born and has been the official security partner since the venue reopened as the O2 Academy in 2008.
Showsec’s Yorkshire and Humberside office supplied 30 SIA-licensed staff for front-of-house roles including door searching and ticket collection. Showsec’s professional teams also ensured the safety of fans on the balconies and provided dressing room and artist security.<br><br>Brendan Kellegher, the venue security manager for Showsec has been with the company for 18 years. Over that time he has gained experience within different sectors ranging from music to sport, nationally and internationally. His career has included securing the Sultan of Brunei’s 50th Birthday in 1996, Le Mans 24 hour car race in France, travelling with Leeds United for Champions League and UEFA Cup matches, working as the Quadrant Manager for Commonwealth Games in 2002 in Manchester and managing the pit teams at Live 8 in 2005.<br><br>Brendan said: “This was an interactive gig which saw DJ Brutus Gold leave the stage and go into the audience. Showsec had two staff on stage at all times, alert to the safety of the performer and the audience, particularly during these incursions. Showsec’s front-of-house role often sees us portrayed as the face of the venue, so good customer service was essential to ensure that everyone has a good time and took the positive disco vibes away with them.”<br><br>The highlight of the evening for many was when all 2,000 people joined together in one line to dance the classic 1970s Hustle, originally performed by Van Mc Coy. Lovetrain returns to the O2 Leeds Academy in September 2009.
And meanhwile at Newcastle Academy in April – The Specials’ first live gig in 30 years. Security was supplied by Showsec’s North East office.
The 30th anniversary reunion tour of The Specials was no ‘Ghost Town’ as tickets for the 14 dates sold out in two hours.
Showsec provided the security for the band, backstage, and the audience, front of house, at the Newcastle Sheffield, and Birmingham Academies. Showsec’s Robbie Jarvis was also the Crowd Safety Officer for the tour and travelled between venues conducting risk assessments and liaising with the band, tour manager and venues, passing on requirements and audience demographics to ensure consistent health and safety standards.
Robbie (Jarvis) said: “Some people are seeing the band for the first time, but most of the audiences have strong memories of The Specials from their youth and have been enthusiastic in embracing the opportunity to see them again. We have been complimented for our input into these shows, in particular the customer focused service and our interaction with the wide audience profile.”
