Fans Face Some Disconcerting Security

Everyone who attends concerts in Los Angeles likes feeling safe. But Steve Hochman’s article “Palladium Security Reflects the Reality of Rock ‘n’ Roll” (Dec. 14) didn’t exactly address the question: How much security is too much?

I was there for the mentioned Hole show. It was the same story that concert-goers now encounter at virtually every local venue--overzealous security measures bordering on the absurd. Pat-downs have been going on for years, and no one objects to metal detectors. Together they are 99% effective.

That’s why this new practice of forcing every person in line to completely empty their pockets is a time-consuming exercise in humiliation. At the Hole show, antagonistic security people did everything short of grabbing customers by the ankles and shaking them upside down. My favorite ballpoint pen was confiscated. My girlfriend’s cigarettes were carelessly dumped all over the ground. I was told to immediately insert my foam ear plugs because they “looked suspicious.” Two girls next to me were ordered to spit out their gum. Alert security went through someone’s Kleenex.

It seems that this personal invasion of privacy is just one more thing affecting concert attendance in the ‘90s. If we’re going to be treated like Central Jail inmates, why not be completely thorough? Let’s confiscate belts and shoelaces (the better to string up a disappointing performer).

When it takes 45 minutes in line just to clear security, then someone is enjoying their job a little too much.

BRIAN BENTLEY

Los Angeles