Any kind of senseless killing, whether its an act of terrorism or just an independant act of useless violence, is a fucking tragedy.
I have been known to speak out in the past about how I don't like alot of concert security staff and the way they behave, etc. I am a licensed security guard as well, though I don't do concert security, so in alot of ways I feel like I have some informed opinions on the matter...too often, the people who are doing concert security are ill prepared, not properly trained and ill equipped to handle or prevent a situation like this. It's not necessarily the fault of the security themselves but of those who hire them and are required to train them. Often times I've been critical of the big muscle bound overzealous guys who can take their jobs "too seriously", but I'll tell you what, I'd rather it be that way if it means they are able to prevent something like this from happening.
Of course, anyone at anytime who possesses a weapon can walk into any public place and use it for some serious damage. But what's particularly scary, speaking from a musicians point of view, is that when you're onstage, you're putting yourself up there as an easy target for any loon to take advantage of. And when you have so many people crammed in there, and from the stage it's usually very hard to see clearly out into the crowd due to the lighting and smoke and everything, it's hard to see anyone or anything coming at you. I know personally of one well known metal singer who actually wears a bulletproof vest under his clothing from time to time, due to various threats he's received over the years and the numerous lunatics who've attempted to cross his path. It's really insane when you think about the fact that, we're just musicians, why is it so fucking volatile and dangerous??!
I feel bad for the guys in Damageplan of course, and for their families and crew, and for all of their friends and acquaintances. I feel badly for their fans across the world too. And what keeps plaguing my mind is, imagine being that 18 year old kid in the audience tonight who looks up to Dime as his hero, or that guy or girl who has followed the guys for years and years now who were in attendance, and actually had to witness this horror in front of their own eyes......I can't even fathom it, or what it must do to them emotionally and mentally. Fuck...
As of right now, about 3:40 am here, I've been told by mutual friends that the singer Pat is okay, and that Vinnie in fact is alright. Bob (Zilla) was from what I understand shot but I don't know if he's critical or worse or what have you.....I'm thankful that more people aren't hurt or killed, but damn......
I know things can happen at any time...but this ISNT supposed to happen man.
) and always up for rambling about whatever. And most of all - a damn good musician. It makes me sick to think of any life cut short in such a fashion.
