Well, you hear things when live music is your religion and dance your therapy. I've heard stories about the Madrid, but I usually reserve judgement till i've experienced something myself.
I attempted to attend the Mission Underground Tour at the Madrid.
Life happens, framily in the hospital, friends in town. I thought I better not buy a $70.00 ticket I may not use.
My buds did, they were going come hell or highwater.
I met them at the door. The Boxoffice is closed, ticket master cut off sales, and here I am at the door begging for an option to walk in with my buddy in town from England.
Kindness says, cut a girl a break.
No, not an option, no wiggle room, no way lady.
I would have gladly coughed up the cash.
So I spent the last hour & 1/2 of the show at the door.
I do what I do, smile, dance, & talk to people.
Patrons are trickling out, I'm entertaining them, wishing them a safe journey home, and generally carrying the vibe for Mr. Oakenfold, outside.
While dancing on the sidewalk, I observed a person get arrested. Hmmmmm. I started thinking, "I want to chat with their security team." Fun conversation goes down after incidents & I'm a curious little cat.
Now, I suspect we have a toxic culture at the Madrid.
Not only are they without reason, but they are some of the most reactive security team I've ever encountered.
I'm a former concert medic. I've worked with the best. CSI, NPB, I know public saftey and security well.
This team, does not smile, they seem to look for conflict. Perhaps they see it as they have to be tough; but I know you can be firm but kind.
The best security are the deescelators, the ones who rarely need to lay hands on anyone. I bet my right eye if I compared incident data from the Madrid with other similarly sized venues, their number of "incidents" would be disproportionallly higher.
One of their leaders, not sure if he is head of security or not, was quite accusitory. He leveled the charge of harrassing their staff. He called me something else, I cannot remember what exactly, but it was a general statement and could not give one example of a behavior I demonstrated. Of course I would have gladly apologized.
Big people, looking for trouble, and creating it when there is none.
So, if you are going to the Madrid:
1. Think twice
2. Don't drink (they are not kind)
3. If its your show/wedding/event negotiate bringing your own security.
4. Make sure you buy your ticket in advance
5. If you have big personality, stay home.
I give it 0 stars.
Thankfully, we had an amazing time at a bar in the West Bottoms after the show. They had an amazing security team, facilitating saftey without killing the vibe....review to come.
