Protecting the equipment from damage

[glenn]

Vince,

One often reads about rioting, or the stage being rushed by the audience, near the end of a concert (I am thinking of Miami, or the Singer Bowl, as examples). I hope these stories are exaggerated; I was an infant during the band’s heydey and don’t profess any firsthand knowledge. My curiosity here is the equipment, and how it was protected. Of course, Robby could escape with his guitar(s). What about the organ, the drums, the amplifiers, and any other peripheral equipment? Was any of it damaged beyond repair in such incursions (if they even happened), and if so, what was the fallback plan if there was a show scheduled for the following day or the following weekend? Or, was the team always successful in protecting the equipment?

[Usual disclaimer: I’ve searched the forum for answers to this but came up empty; if anyone can point me to any pertinent threads that’ve already taken place, I’d be grateful.]

thanks,
glenn

[vince]

First, Glenn - I would like to assure you that I neither work for or am associated with Danny Sugarman or Oliver Stona in any way whatsoever. Therefor I have no training, influence or reason to "Exaggerate".

While you were not there, I was and usually in the middle of it.

There were only two incidents in the 4 years I spent wuth the group that someone got away with equipment. It was replaced immediately. We had plenty of major musical instrument suppliers who would replace equipment merely on my word. Gibson and Ludwig were very anxious for the promotional tie in with the Doors. They were quick to help us when need arose. None of John's drums were ever stolen during my tenure.

There were security people - either a hired company or off duty police. There were the first line of defense to prevent people from getting on stage in the dirst place.

Me and my people, anywhere from 4 to 8 or so, were the rear guard. At any sign of trouble the mikes ad stands were pulled back to the amp line but never turned off. We could talk to the crowd that way and distract them long enough to get some kind of sanity instead of herd instinct.

Anyone who made a dash for the actual amps or equipment were dealt with vigorously and, if necessary, convinced that their health was more important than the trophy. Every action that was necessary to protect the equipment was taken.

I am a little surprised at your ver obvious skeptical viewing of the situation. There are motion picture segments of riots in progress. There is one that clearly shows me taking steps to subdue an aggressive youth from reaching the drums. Another demonstrates the use of boots to convince those trying to climb onto the stage that this was not proper behavior if they wished to retain their good looks - not to mention teeth.

The veracity of my stories can be proven. I am not here to proagate lies and fantasy. I leave that to other sites and people who were not there.

[glenn]

Thanks, Vince, for your obvious genuine and UNexaggerated description of the situation.

[vince]

My Pleasure, Sir

By the way, when traveling, all our equipment were in cases that were custom made. Each had a stencilled label providing the number, weights, name of the group in white over a red background shadow.

Are you voting for me for president?

[glenn]

No, you won't get my presidential vote. But after I can find the footage of you in action on the stage, maybe I'll write you in on my ballot for the next California governor.

Thanks again for sharing the commentary.

[vince]

Glenn - How could you. I am devastated. I want your vote. I need your vote - Remember Florida. You are the guy who will put me over the top.