Anger runs red hot as fans give DEC a blast
RED Hot Chili Peppers fans are still raving about the performance of the Californian rock act but have given organisers a serve for being told off for standing up and clapping, lengthy waits for drinks and safety concerns.
Mercury readers unloaded on social media yesterday saying the organisation at the Derwent Entertainment Centre was inadequate to cater for the crowds.
“We waited close to 2 hours in the line to get a drink. The poor staff were under the pump. People who wanted water were waiting the same. We missed the start of the concert,” Sarah Rayner wrote on the Mercury’s Facebook page.
“People were jumping the lines. I honestly don’t know how there weren’t more issues with all the angry patrons. Security did nothing just watched on. Glad the RHCP were fantastic,” she said.
“They ran out of water for purchase after lining up for ever to buy some. Dehydration to the max!” Belinda Bond wrote.
Nadia Paternoster said she was told off by security guards for standing up clapping in the VIP seated section.
“Such an embarrassment. Who goes to a rock concert to sit down? I’ve been to many concerts around Australia and this only happens at the DEC. Perhaps the DEC isn’t the place for bands. It was a total mood killer.”
Rick Hancock agreed that organisation of the concert was poor.
“Paying $450 for a VIP ticket WHAT AN ABSOLUTE DISGRACE. Had to push our way through the GA standing area to get to the VIP bar line only to find the DEC management decided to open it up for everyone waited 45 minutes to get a drink.”
Other frustrated fans who attended phoned the Mercury yesterday to give their account of the night.
Hobart resident Jason Muir, who purchased a VIP ticket, said he and his partner endured “absolute mayhem” at the gig.
“When we got there we couldn’t see any VIP section. We found a small space for it side of stage in these two little pens and when the gig was up and running we were just crushed in there,” he said.
“When you needed to leave the area for a toilet break you could barely get back in because all the General Admission guests were blocking the path. Then it seemed all GA patrons were in that section anyway.
“It was just really disappointing and seemed very unorganised,” Mr Muir said.
We’re now wondering why we paid the extra $260 for a VIP ticket when it was of little to no benefit.”
The Derwent Entertainment Centre management was not available for comment when contacted by the Mercury yesterday.