Hollywood’s HOB ‘aint singing the blues just yet

Written by Hilda Gabriela Wednesday, 29 October 2008 04:02

A unanimous decision made by city council members voted against revoking Hollywood’s House of Blues business license. The agenda was introduced by West Hollywood city council member John Heilman after numerous reported incidents of violence caused by the venues patrons resulted in police intervention, arrests and hospitalization.

Although the agenda was ultimately voted against, city members agreed to further investigate all incidents that occurred on the venues premises. In accordance with city members’ regulations, the venue will now be under tight supervision and will run the risk of having their business hours limited as well as the number of annual shows it produces if the number of incidents does not lessen. House of Blues management has not commented on the issue.

Band promoter “Neo” of The End Entertainment who has worked with the venue in promoting his events fears that efforts to control the outbreaks of violence might be unsuccessful and therefore leave local talent such as those that he promotes without the opportunity to perform at the venue.

“Every local band works hard to earn their place on the HOB stage” he states. “Lesser shows affects everyone around from promoters, to bands down to the fans themselves. The violence is taking away from the music scene and everyone involved in it.”





* Feb. 27: Patron hit in the face at concert.

* March 23: Large crowd fighting in driveway.

* March 28: Several persons involved in fight. Security requests deputies' assistance to prevent fight from escalating.

* April 26: Deputies called to location. Windows open and loud concert music being played into neighborhood.

* May 23: Fighting in top parking lot.

* June 21: Six men trying to fight with security in nearby driveway.

* June 26: Male in and out of consciousness at venue. Fire rescue unit required.

* June 30: About 50 people fighting at the club.

* July 7: About 200 people from concert in front of club and people getting into fights.

* July 15: Female in and out of consciousness at location. Fire rescue unit required.

* Aug. 5: Man had chair thrown at him in club.

* Sept. 4: More than 100 people were involved in fights both inside and outside. Several people were arrested. One woman was hospitalized. Helicopters were dispatched to monitor the area until 1 a.m. The Sunset Strip shut down for several hours.

< Prev		Next >