EXCLUSIVE: Band Slams Security & Police After Newtown Event Shut Down

Following a gig at the Botany View Hotel in Sydney last night as part of the King Street Crawl, Dumb Punts member James Gallagher has spoken out about the allegedly aggressive security that caused an otherwise tame show to be unceremoniously shut down.

Police claim they were called to the venue at around 8.30pm after a security guard was assaulted. However, witnesses allege that police and security were too heavy-handed with their response. 

Speaking exclusively to theMusic.com.au, Gallagher explains that it all began after Toby Two String of Skegss had been drumming with the band. When Two Strings attempted to get back into the crowd, Gallagher alleges that security "pretty much chokeholded him to the ground". 

"I jumped down to help him out and I got pulled out and shit just hit the fan," Gallagher said. "Security were being fuckwits, [they're] a bunch of peanuts with no interest in what's happening in their venue."

Gallagher details that the crowd engaged in a peaceful protest after that, spontaneously singing We're Not Gonna Take It by Twisted Sister which he says was an amazing sight.

Police state, "The manager closed the venue; however those in the premises failed to leave and officers from Newtown Local Area Command were called."

"The only people who were trying to fight anyone was the security, bunch of meatheads," Gallagher says, alleging that the security were walking amid the crowd and annoyed that the crowd were "jumping around, having fun". "They get arked up and excited about the prospect of hurting someone."

The gig was shut down before The Gooch Palms, Voiid and Pist Idiots were able to play, with Gallagher alleging that Sydney's "nanny state" has venues in fear of being fined. 

"No wonder no one in NSW gives a shit about the culture … Nothing like this has ever happened in Melbourne because security understand what they're doing. You don't see anyone staunching anyone. They're supposed to be keeping the peace..."

Police state, "The patrons in the venue eventually left the scene and the premises was closed. No one was arrested."

TheMusic.com.au reached out to the venue for comment and are waiting to hear back from management. 

 

Another classic example of Sydney's shocking security guards!! Last night the #botanyviewhotel got shut down during the #kingstreetcrawl . The crowd was fed up with a bunch of overly aggressive security guards who were annoyed that they were getting BUMPED AS THEY WALKED THROUGH THE MOSH!! (Idiots)The show was stopped after Dumb Punts lead singer jumped off the stage to stop a member of the crowd being bashed by security guards!! The crowd ran a non-violent sitin and screaming the Twisted Sister classic "We're not going to take it". Everyone was having a fun time and all of the aggression was coming directly from the guards. Ultimately the bar was shut, police were called an the lights were turned on. Thanks to #wod and @dumbpunts for continuing the show after the plug was pulled!!!! This is our city! We want it back!! 

A photo posted by Jacob Boyd-Skinner (@northofhell_) on Sep 4, 2016 at 6:49pm PDT