To whom it may concern,
Hello, my Name is Brendan. I am a huge Metallica fan; and have been for all of my music loving life. However I am nothing compared to my 26 year old, older brother David.
I am writing this letter to tell a story of the events a lifelong devoted Metallica fan that was brutally beaten to the point of incapacitation and left helpless by the people that are meant to bring order and safety to the fans that love and support the live music entertainment industry. I am speaking, of course, about the security bouncers at our beloved live music concerts.
I will start by explaining the events.
It was the night of the Perth Metallica concert at the Burswood Dome on the 22nd of October 2010. People in the masses from far and wide had come to see (and hear) the three heavy metal bands of Metallica, Lamb of God and Baroness.
Having brought mosh pit tickets on the first day of the Ticketek pre-sale, my brother David, myself and all of our mates went to experience what was going to be extraordinary event. The Metallica fanatics that we are struggled our way to front of the mosh pit, leaning against the rail, knowing from experience that we were in for a rough ride.
Two hours went by, and after the spectacular performances of Baroness and Lamb of God, Metallica finally took the stage. After waiting for several months and two head-banging hours, this was it. Metallica took the stage after the traditional Ecstasy of Gold introduction and, accompanied by an almighty roar of the crowd, opened with That was just your life from the Death Magnetic album. As we watched and listened to our musical heros speciality we yelled, sang, head-banged and sent our horns into the air.
After two more songs past, The end of the line and For whom the bell tolls intensity of the atmosphere raised. Being at the forward rail of the mosh pit put us at the wrath of the crushing force of those behind; and this is when things took a turn for the worst (or so it seemed at that point); David, who had been at the rail just in front of most of us, experienced a shattering pain in his chest. This pain was caused by fractured ribs. Feeling the extreme pain of being crushed up against the rail with this severe injury forced him ask for assistance from his nearby mates and the bouncers on the other side of the rail. The assistance was lifting him over the rail forward, out of the pit, into a clear, flat, one meter wide area, between the stage and mosh pit.
As soon as he was free, he was forced by the pain to sit; and then lay down on the flat concrete surface. A minute past, and in realising and accepting the fact that he was in bad shape he asked to be assisted out of the concert area to the paramedics. Two of the bouncers helped him up and supported his stance and walking, while guiding him to the exit about twenty meters away. While David was being assisted to the exit, an over excited crowd fan jumped the rail and attempted to get on stage. As this occurred all of the nearby bouncers detained him, including the two that were assisting David. Because of this David was supporting himself, and feeling pain to a more intense degree; and due to that he stumbled to his right slightly (about one or two steps over) to lean on the shoulder high stage. (In this instance Kirk Hammett, the lead guitarist, was executing a solo just above to the right, about a meter from the edge of the stage)
In this instance David had come to accept the fact that this was it, he was not going to see the rest of the show; hed have to miss out on the heavily awaited performance of his lifelong favourite band; so to show his farewell, he raised his right arm showing the horns to the Kirk and the rest of Metallica.
In an instant, before he could contemplate what was happening, he was grabbed and thrown backward onto the steel railing, which impacted with his back and his head; momentarily after he was forced into a suffocating headlock. At this point a bouncer had placed David in a headlock, while 4 others beat him down, placing devastating boots into his body, two of which focused on the middle of his back (which was latter discovered to have caused a crushed T-9 vertebrate in his spine); which was followed by them dragging him outside the complex, through a gate that was opened by them to a sectioned off area of the parking lot. All the while David was unable to do anything from the paralysing pain. Once into the parking lot he was thrown to the ground landing on his back, unable to move, completely helpless.
Once finished, the bouncers left David incapacitated and covered in sweat, freezing in the Burswood Dome parking lot, flat on his back, in excruciating pain. Here he waited for a full forty-five minutes listening to the distorted sound of his beloved Metallica songs, until someone finally found and helped him (I would like to add that several bouncer personnel encountered David in the parking lot and chose not to help, even when he could create words through the pain that screamed for assistance; and for whatever reason they instead decided to leave him there in a critical condition). Immediately he was rushed by ambulance to the Saint Charles Gairdner Hospital, where he waited in the emergency ward flat on his back; feeling nothing but rage, sadness and pain.
After the concert at about quarter past ten, a full search had been conducted to find David; from those who knew that he disappeared (Id like to add that none of us knew the condition or extent of injuries, and were thinking that he was going to be taking some time out before re-joining us in the mosh pit). There was no way to contact him directly, due to his purposely acted intention to leave his phone behind at home in the event that it is lost, smashed or stolen. In light of this, calls were made to all the main hospitals until finally they discovered that he had been taken to Saint Charles Gairdner.
Davids and my Mother Julie received a call from one of Davids friends having found him at 1am; and explained the situation that was known. (Which was, David disappeared after being taken out of the mosh pit; and was found to be in an emergency ward at St Charles Gairdner Hospital). As could be expected this was a shock to Mum and I; and shortly after Mum was able to speak to David in hospital by phone. David at the time was full of painkilling drugs and was unable to say much; but what was said, is that he was beaten by bouncers, after having his ribs cracked up against the mosh pit rail and that he may have a slipped disc in his back (which was later found out to be crushed). David told Mum not to stress and go back to bed to sleep, which she would need for her 4am wakeup alarm needed for work. But what loving Mother could. After this she was instructed to wait until morning to call back and then come in to the hospital, as there was nothing that could be done at that time. And about the only reason that Mum and I didnt go was from the reassurance that a few of his close friends (that went to the concert and found David) were on their way to be with him.
After this Mum stayed awake until morning, when she went see him; finding a close friend, Chantelle, by his side from the previous night that hadnt left his side for a minute. From here it was found that he was not to be treated until Monday, or Tuesday; for the specialist doctor needed was not available. Later that day, after a CT scan, the full extent of his internal injuries had been found (apart from the bruising and grazes on his exterior); Fractured Ribs and a Crushed Vertebrate.
David, who was flat on his back, unable to move at all bar his head and arms slightly, was visited by the police for about an hour to get a statement. It was said that if the bouncer security was Metallicas personal guard, there would not be a single thing they could do; but if it was a local group then something could be done. (Which I think is an utter outrage). Latter it was discovered that the bouncers are employed by a group call the Australian Protection Services (APS). Thanks to one our mates at the concert, we have a video recording of two songs, in which at least 3 of the 5 bouncers who had been responsible for this vicious assault have been recorded and identified by David. We also have witnesses of over aggressive assault at the concert by the APS bouncers, involving a close-line attack of a fan who was trying to leave the dome after the concert in the overly cramped space; and of a fan being thrown to the floor of a pillar landing back of the head first into the concrete in the mosh pit, which caused profuse bleeding from the impact.
I want to make it clear that I and we do not blame Metallica or the mosh pit in any way shape or form. We knew the risks going into the mosh pit and accepted them. The occurrence following Davids assisted exit from the mosh pit however, we do hold responsible. For a man that needed help, was given nothing less then a fierce assault.
In closing, I love my Brother; and I almost cant bear knowing that he is in such a state, while the bouncers responsible get a nice pay check and pat on the back for a job well done. It sickens me to my very core. I ask you all, have you ever had a similar experience, or do you know of one? And if you do please help; please support my brother David and all others who have been a victim of such a heinous act by sending me an email of your story on oshi16@gmail.com which I will take to the media and proper authorities; and together we can bring those responsible to justice; and make a safer more enjoyable live music experience for everyone.
Kind Regards,
Davids Brother,
Brendan OShea
Hello, my Name is Brendan. I am a huge Metallica fan; and have been for all of my music loving life. However I am nothing compared to my 26 year old, older brother David.
I am writing this letter to tell a story of the events a lifelong devoted Metallica fan that was brutally beaten to the point of incapacitation and left helpless by the people that are meant to bring order and safety to the fans that love and support the live music entertainment industry. I am speaking, of course, about the security bouncers at our beloved live music concerts.
I will start by explaining the events.
It was the night of the Perth Metallica concert at the Burswood Dome on the 22nd of October 2010. People in the masses from far and wide had come to see (and hear) the three heavy metal bands of Metallica, Lamb of God and Baroness.
Having brought mosh pit tickets on the first day of the Ticketek pre-sale, my brother David, myself and all of our mates went to experience what was going to be extraordinary event. The Metallica fanatics that we are struggled our way to front of the mosh pit, leaning against the rail, knowing from experience that we were in for a rough ride.
Two hours went by, and after the spectacular performances of Baroness and Lamb of God, Metallica finally took the stage. After waiting for several months and two head-banging hours, this was it. Metallica took the stage after the traditional Ecstasy of Gold introduction and, accompanied by an almighty roar of the crowd, opened with That was just your life from the Death Magnetic album. As we watched and listened to our musical heros speciality we yelled, sang, head-banged and sent our horns into the air.
After two more songs past, The end of the line and For whom the bell tolls intensity of the atmosphere raised. Being at the forward rail of the mosh pit put us at the wrath of the crushing force of those behind; and this is when things took a turn for the worst (or so it seemed at that point); David, who had been at the rail just in front of most of us, experienced a shattering pain in his chest. This pain was caused by fractured ribs. Feeling the extreme pain of being crushed up against the rail with this severe injury forced him ask for assistance from his nearby mates and the bouncers on the other side of the rail. The assistance was lifting him over the rail forward, out of the pit, into a clear, flat, one meter wide area, between the stage and mosh pit.
As soon as he was free, he was forced by the pain to sit; and then lay down on the flat concrete surface. A minute past, and in realising and accepting the fact that he was in bad shape he asked to be assisted out of the concert area to the paramedics. Two of the bouncers helped him up and supported his stance and walking, while guiding him to the exit about twenty meters away. While David was being assisted to the exit, an over excited crowd fan jumped the rail and attempted to get on stage. As this occurred all of the nearby bouncers detained him, including the two that were assisting David. Because of this David was supporting himself, and feeling pain to a more intense degree; and due to that he stumbled to his right slightly (about one or two steps over) to lean on the shoulder high stage. (In this instance Kirk Hammett, the lead guitarist, was executing a solo just above to the right, about a meter from the edge of the stage)
In this instance David had come to accept the fact that this was it, he was not going to see the rest of the show; hed have to miss out on the heavily awaited performance of his lifelong favourite band; so to show his farewell, he raised his right arm showing the horns to the Kirk and the rest of Metallica.
In an instant, before he could contemplate what was happening, he was grabbed and thrown backward onto the steel railing, which impacted with his back and his head; momentarily after he was forced into a suffocating headlock. At this point a bouncer had placed David in a headlock, while 4 others beat him down, placing devastating boots into his body, two of which focused on the middle of his back (which was latter discovered to have caused a crushed T-9 vertebrate in his spine); which was followed by them dragging him outside the complex, through a gate that was opened by them to a sectioned off area of the parking lot. All the while David was unable to do anything from the paralysing pain. Once into the parking lot he was thrown to the ground landing on his back, unable to move, completely helpless.
Once finished, the bouncers left David incapacitated and covered in sweat, freezing in the Burswood Dome parking lot, flat on his back, in excruciating pain. Here he waited for a full forty-five minutes listening to the distorted sound of his beloved Metallica songs, until someone finally found and helped him (I would like to add that several bouncer personnel encountered David in the parking lot and chose not to help, even when he could create words through the pain that screamed for assistance; and for whatever reason they instead decided to leave him there in a critical condition). Immediately he was rushed by ambulance to the Saint Charles Gairdner Hospital, where he waited in the emergency ward flat on his back; feeling nothing but rage, sadness and pain.
After the concert at about quarter past ten, a full search had been conducted to find David; from those who knew that he disappeared (Id like to add that none of us knew the condition or extent of injuries, and were thinking that he was going to be taking some time out before re-joining us in the mosh pit). There was no way to contact him directly, due to his purposely acted intention to leave his phone behind at home in the event that it is lost, smashed or stolen. In light of this, calls were made to all the main hospitals until finally they discovered that he had been taken to Saint Charles Gairdner.
Davids and my Mother Julie received a call from one of Davids friends having found him at 1am; and explained the situation that was known. (Which was, David disappeared after being taken out of the mosh pit; and was found to be in an emergency ward at St Charles Gairdner Hospital). As could be expected this was a shock to Mum and I; and shortly after Mum was able to speak to David in hospital by phone. David at the time was full of painkilling drugs and was unable to say much; but what was said, is that he was beaten by bouncers, after having his ribs cracked up against the mosh pit rail and that he may have a slipped disc in his back (which was later found out to be crushed). David told Mum not to stress and go back to bed to sleep, which she would need for her 4am wakeup alarm needed for work. But what loving Mother could. After this she was instructed to wait until morning to call back and then come in to the hospital, as there was nothing that could be done at that time. And about the only reason that Mum and I didnt go was from the reassurance that a few of his close friends (that went to the concert and found David) were on their way to be with him.
After this Mum stayed awake until morning, when she went see him; finding a close friend, Chantelle, by his side from the previous night that hadnt left his side for a minute. From here it was found that he was not to be treated until Monday, or Tuesday; for the specialist doctor needed was not available. Later that day, after a CT scan, the full extent of his internal injuries had been found (apart from the bruising and grazes on his exterior); Fractured Ribs and a Crushed Vertebrate.
David, who was flat on his back, unable to move at all bar his head and arms slightly, was visited by the police for about an hour to get a statement. It was said that if the bouncer security was Metallicas personal guard, there would not be a single thing they could do; but if it was a local group then something could be done. (Which I think is an utter outrage). Latter it was discovered that the bouncers are employed by a group call the Australian Protection Services (APS). Thanks to one our mates at the concert, we have a video recording of two songs, in which at least 3 of the 5 bouncers who had been responsible for this vicious assault have been recorded and identified by David. We also have witnesses of over aggressive assault at the concert by the APS bouncers, involving a close-line attack of a fan who was trying to leave the dome after the concert in the overly cramped space; and of a fan being thrown to the floor of a pillar landing back of the head first into the concrete in the mosh pit, which caused profuse bleeding from the impact.
I want to make it clear that I and we do not blame Metallica or the mosh pit in any way shape or form. We knew the risks going into the mosh pit and accepted them. The occurrence following Davids assisted exit from the mosh pit however, we do hold responsible. For a man that needed help, was given nothing less then a fierce assault.
In closing, I love my Brother; and I almost cant bear knowing that he is in such a state, while the bouncers responsible get a nice pay check and pat on the back for a job well done. It sickens me to my very core. I ask you all, have you ever had a similar experience, or do you know of one? And if you do please help; please support my brother David and all others who have been a victim of such a heinous act by sending me an email of your story on oshi16@gmail.com which I will take to the media and proper authorities; and together we can bring those responsible to justice; and make a safer more enjoyable live music experience for everyone.
Kind Regards,
Davids Brother,
Brendan OShea
