So, apparently the violence and death at the weekend in the Phoenix was not caused by the actions of people. Oh, no according to a certain daily paper, it is in fact the fault of “underground dance music”.
There is nothing that aggravates me more than pigeon holing people. Now, let me tell you something. I am a fan of “underground dance music”. What was in the Phoenix Park at the weekend was NOT underground. (HINT- 40,000 people attended the gig. Underground would imply that it isn’t popular, it isn’t well known, and 40,000 people would certainly not be attending/even knowing it was on.) And last time I checked, Snoop Dogg was rap.
It was not an ‘underground gig’ in any way, shape or form. It was commercially launched by MCD to make as much money as they could. It had a diverse commercial line up which would bring in a diverse bunch of people, some of whom are the scum of the universe. Like the knife-wielding maniacs, drugged up teenagers, and girls not wearing enough clothes and too much fake tan!
It is not the fault of dance music that some people get out of hand at gigs. Incidents like this happen at all events. True, this one was attended by a particularly nasty lot. But look at Oxegen. It isn’t even on this year because of the uproar of the last few years. I’ve been there. I’ve experienced it. And this is a festival which features nearly every genre of popular music. No-one has blamed music in general for the events at this festival, so why just blame dance music for incidents that happened at a dance/rap concert?
The list of incidents at big events like this are endless. The Smashing Pumpkins in the 90’s, Slane, Oxegen etc. But it’s across the board where there are big groups of people. Just look at the violence that can erupt at football matches. No one ever blames football for football hooligans. Therefore music was not the cause of the mayhem. When trouble erupts it is caused people who attended and most likely the security measures put in place.
Eventually venues will be too worried and insurance will cost too much because of all the violent events. Things will have to change soon, otherwise the end of the festival, concert and even small gig will be imminent.
What do you think, is the music the cause of the violence ?
Image: Wikimedia Commons- Isreal defence forces
No idiots are to blame for the violence. An outdoor event with insufficient security provided the opportunity for it to be so extensive
Drugs and alcohol have a big part to play, people get intoxicated and “charged up” because they think the experience will be better, however, sadly this often leads to people getting out of control and violence.