Security at Nation

I go to the 9:30 several times a month, the Black Cat too … always profoundly pleasant experiences. Last night, I went to Nation for a concert and experienced some of the most intense security I've ever gone through … they make the airlines look permissive by comparison.

I got there early, ticket in hand, and had to wait about 30 minutes to get in … mind you, doors opened an hour early. When I finally got up front I was told to empty my pockets, take off my coat, empty it completely, and then subjected to a forceful rub-down that would even go beyond the call of duty for a girlfriend.

One thing I found amazing … I had some antacids in my coat, two Gaviscon tablets in a marked container. The security guy said I could not bring them in … that the police would not approve. I informed him I've had some reflux recently and that this was something recommended by my doctor. He still refused to let me have it in my pocket, so I downed what I had and finally got through.

I understand the need for some levels of security, but these guys are going way too far. I'm glad that the 9:30 and the Black Cat let you watch a show with dignity – Nation won't be getting my concert dollar unless I have absolutely no alternatives.

Has anyone else experienced this kind of treatment at Nation or elsewhere?

Nation has had a lot of problems, so they probably overcompensate.

What was on there last night?

Something Corporate, Yellowcard, and The Format … had seen Yellowcard at the 9:30 a few months ago and had a good time, so thought I'd go see them again. The Format was pretty good – not as good on stage as the others, but not bad. Something Corporate did a characteristicly energetic set … even covering Hey Ya! and doing things to that piano that would make Steinway and Sons blush …

Overall, a decent show, but the crazy security cast a cloud over it.

By the way … Mark E. Smith … did you see your namesake at the Black Cat on Tuesday night? Great show.

I loathe Nation and avoid it like the plague. The staff are rude and it's a horrid venue for performances. I will only go if it's someone that I really cannot miss.

Yep I was there. I thought that last years show was better. I liked it when Mark E was blind drunk and kept bothering the other band members.

Nation has had a lot of well reported drug problems. I guess if they have much more trouble there they will get closed down.

At Nation yes. And I asked one of the security guys when I finally got to the door – they do that *every* night they're open. In fact, I think the intense searches really stem from problems they had with their Friday dance nights – wasn't it Buzz or something? They were closed down due to drug busts…it was pseudo rave-like, I guess.

I was at least heartened to know that it's equal time for every show, every audience…

Why does Nation have a lot of problems with drugs that other clubs don't?

They had a dance night called "buzz or something" .

Better safe then sorry. Just let them do their jobs and move on. It's that simple. They aren't gonna stop doing it cause your whining on the 9:30 Club board. I'm sure there's stuff at everyone's job that someone that doesn't work there would think could be done a better way.

Originally posted by Random Balls:
Why does Nation have a lot of problems with drugs that other clubs don't?

Because of their rave/circuit party things they do every weekend. And a nice little Fox5 story about how they let drug use run rampant in the club.

Originally posted by mark e smith:
They had a dance night called "buzz or something" .

I would have capitalized the full phrase if it were a proper name for a dance night…you know how those things have those clever names…

Wasn't there a kerfuffle about a couple of soldiers getting caught doing drugs there…..At the dance night?

Originally posted by mark e smith:
Wasn't there a kerfuffle about a couple of soldiers getting caught doing drugs there…..At the dance night?

i thought the soldiers were the ones selling the drugs

I dont think so…..


http://memes.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=1179&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0

I was there about two months ago at one of those DJ parties. My girl loves that stuff so i had to take a weekend off from Polyesthers. Anyways i almost got in a fight cause her ex was there. That woulda been great, getting arrested for something other than drugs or alcohol at Nation's.

Originally posted by worktheweb:
Has anyone else experienced this kind of treatment at Nation or elsewhere?

yep…they take forever to get you in…one time even got there extremely late and there was still at long line waiting to get in…and i usually get dinner before someone pats me down like that…i try to avoid nation if i can…

Rob … I'm not upset at the security personnel, but rather the policy which makes them do what they do. I know this won't change Nation's policy … if enough people complained, maybe, but probably not. I just find it unfortunate that they have a policy that basically allows them to search your person without probable cause and without notifying you of said policy before the purchase of the ticket. The police could not do this to you if they wanted without a warrant – I get the honor of paying $30 to be felt up and liberated of medicine recommended by a doctor to see a rock show. There is no legal mandate or requirement for them to do this … they choose to.

I know it probably won't change, but I don't like it. Makes me appreciate 9:30/Black Cat even more …
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The Police DO NOT need a warrant to search you. And the statement wasnt directly towards you even though the topic is yours, it was for everyone that has complained. I dont like standing in long lines either, but if it keeps weapons out of the place then i'm for it. Its not gonna keep the drugs out, well except the prescription ones obviously, from what i hear. But maybe they can catch one or two people a night and maybe get their dumbasses arrested or kicked out. I dont go there very often so its not a big deal to me. I think the Black Cat's line for getting in is as slow as they get. Two concerts ago i was in line for 45 minutes!!!!!!!!!!! 9:30 Clubs has been getting slower also, not 45 minutes but i remember the dayz i'd get there and walk right in.