As the world continues to reel from last week’s Paris terror attacks, one of the largest international concert companies has announced that they’ll be taking action. The New York Times reports that Live Nation is stepping up security at its venues in the wake of the attack at Paris’ Bataclan concert venue at an Eagles of Death Metal concert that killed at least 89. The company released a statement that, without detailing exactly what they’d be doing, said as much:
“The safety and security of our shows, fans and venues continues to be our highest priority,” the company said in a statement. “Due to the recent events in Paris and in an abundance of caution we have implemented heightened security procedures globally. However, because of the sensitive nature of these protocols, we cannot elaborate further on the specific details.”
While many artists, including Deftones, Prince and Foo Fighters, have canceled European tours in the wake of the attacks, shows are still happening in the States. But combined with the tragic nightclub fire in Romania that killed at least 55 people, it’s been a trying and tragic month for the concert industry. But at the end of the day, while increased fire safety laws might have prevented the Colectiv tragedy, an unprecedented attack like the one at Bataclan would have been next to impossible to prevent. Also from the Times article:
It’s only logical for major venues worldwide to have heightened security,” said Gary Bongiovanni, editor of Pollstar, a concert industry trade magazine. “But the truth is that there is only so much anyone can do to stop a wave of suicidal attackers.”
Would it be a good idea to let those with concealed carry permits into concerts? Theoretically, but how many concert fistfights would end in shootouts? Armed security guards? That could become a new reality at least outside some larger concerts. Either way, while the Paris attacks are just one of many terrorist actions going on around the world, something changed on Friday.
[via Metal Sucks]
