Crowding Stops Harry Show

Los Angeles City Fire Department marshals stopped a performance by Deborah Harry at the Palace on Thursday night about a half hour before its scheduled conclusion due to overcrowding at the Hollywood club.

According to a report by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Hollywood Division, which was called to assist the fire marshals, more than 1,000 people were counted on the dance floor, which has a legal limit of 850. Harry was the last act to perform in the “Escape From New York” package that also featured the Ramones, Jerry Harrison and the Tom Tom Club.

Palace owner Dennis Lidtke said Friday that the club was within its overall capacity of 1,200, which includes the 398-seat balcony and called the closure a “judgment call.” He said no refunds would be given, but that 900 complimentary passes to a Friday concert at the club were distributed to patrons exiting Thursday’s truncated show.

The Palace was cited for overcrowding at a February appearance by rap group Public Enemy. But Lidtke said that show was overseen by an outside promoter who had rented the facility.