SECURITY: YOU’RE NOT A BOUNCER IN A MOVIE. YOU’RE A HUMAN SHIELD.

Let’s get one thing straight, loud and clear: If you’re working security at a concert, you are not the main character. You’re not starring in a straight-to-DVD action flick. You’re not there to flex your arms, power-trip, or prove how much of a tough guy you are. You are there to protect the crowd. That’s it. That’s the job.

If you don’t know how to catch a crowd surfer without dropping them on their skull, you’re not doing your job—you’re endangering lives.

We recently witnessed a pathetic display of this at a UK Festival : people crowd surfing with joy, as they’ve done for decades, only to get dumped headfirst onto the ground because the security guards either froze, stood clueless, or simply didn’t care. (Fun fact, they had no problem grabbing the ladies though ). 

I’ve got news for you: this isn’t your nightclub gig. This is live music. Real people. Real community. And real risk if you screw up.

If you don’t know what to do when a body comes flying your way, you shouldn’t be standing at the barricade. Period.

Let me break it down for the slow learners:

• Crowd surfing is part of the culture. Whether you like it or not, it’s going to happen.

• Your job at the front isn’t to look intimidating. It’s to work as a soft landing pad.

• You’re the first line of protection for the audience. If someone’s coming over the rail, you better be there with both hands, ready to brace and guide, both feet on the barrier step, and your partner supporting you from behind  —not to freeze, step back, or worse, shove them off.

• Every person dropped = potential hospital bill, lawsuit, and trauma. That’s on you.

Too many times I’ve seen staff not even looking at the pit. Heads turned, chatting with each other, checking their phone, or just zoning out like it’s a casual shift.

WAKE THE F*CK UP. If you’re at the front of the stage, it’s game time the entire set.

Let’s not forget: bands notice. Promoters notice. Tour managers notice. If your venue gets a reputation for being unsafe, you won’t be on the list next time.

If you want to be in this industry, do the job right. You’re not a wall. You’re not a weapon. You’re not a wannabe authority figure. You’re a damn safety net.

So either:

1. Learn how to do your job properly,

2. Stay sharp and present for the entire show,

3. Or get out and let someone competent take your spot.

This isn’t a power fantasy. This is about keeping people alive while they enjoy the music that gets them through life. You don’t have to love the music, but you better respect the people.