An onslaught of reports regarding trampling, mass harassment, and poor concert organization has been brought to light. The debate brought about many questions. Questions of who is at fault sprung out of most of these discussions… Should the people blame the artist? The audience? Or the organizers? Vocal proponents assigning blame to the organizers were the overwhelming voice on social media.
A video went viral of Amr Helmy, a marketing manager for red bull Egypt, detailing how most transgressions in the previous concerts were the fault of poor concert organization.
He raised the point that most of these shows were organized by unprofessional, money-hungry entities who just saw an opportunity to make a quick buck. In his Instagram video, he mentioned that traumatic harassment, trampling, and numerous other incidents are the fault of “organizers” who do not have any crisis plans. Who don’t even seem familiar with the concept of one? He also called upon authorities to intervene and regulate these so-called ‘organizing entities’ to make sure who is doing their work right.
He also raised a different point regarding audience behaviour…
It remains an integral question… Are Egyptian audiences unfamiliar with proper concert etiquette and guidelines? Or do these incidents have more to say about the underlying moral and ethical shortcomings of a younger Egyptian generation?
It’s as clear as day that there are moral shortcomings. And that Egyptian crowds lack awareness or the sense of responsibility when it comes to violating other audience members who are there just to try and have fun.
Whether or not the artist is to blame in the matter of working with unrecognized event planners with no prior experience is still a matter of debate. However, an artist needs to ensure the safety of his audience through coordinating with proper channels and going to the right people.
Concerts should be for everybody, and they should be where everyone feels safe. It is a celebration of good music, fun times, and human spirit. Concerts should not be the places where young men and women feel unsafe and violated due to reckless concert organizations.