Flash back to the crush

After the tragic events of the deaths at the Astroworld concert memories were triggered. I have been at the front for many concerts over many years, this event brought flashbacks of the biggest and most tragic. It was when I was 18, although I am now 51 some days it seems very recent.

It was the Monsters of rock festival at Castle Donnington in the UK. Officially the limit was due to be around 72,000, estimates are the total was nearer 107,000. The fencing and security was poor so many without tickets simply knocked fences down and walked in. The aerial shots show just how crowded the arena became and how little empty space there was.

The stage was set up at the base of the slope running from the Michelin tyre bridge down to the stage, thus giving a sloped view for all. Unfortunately in these days the barriers were simply straight across the stage front, meaning all crowd pressure was aimed at the one barrier.

The first two bands were good and the usual crowd reaction meant it was busy but not to serious. Then the problems began, a band that was small when the line up was agreed but was now far to big for its position on the bill.

They were Guns n Roses, and as soon as they appeared it got horrible. The weather hadn't been good and there was nothing put on the grass and mud to help people walking. In fact as they came on the surge down the hill began and stopped only when the crush meant nobody could go any further. I am 6ft4 , was wearing walking boots but had no control. I remember picking up 2 people to save them as i went around 100 meters down hill.

At the front numerous people were crushed against the barriers and many fell in the thick mud. Two people died in that crush, in the area I had stood a few hours earlier. Luckily I had decided it didn't look safe enough and had wandered away. that spur of the moment decision could have saved my life.

Anyone who has seen or been at a heavy metal concert will probably know the ethos is to pick up anyone that falls and look after each other. I think this unwritten rule saved many more people that day. Strangely in the Guns n roses video for welcome to the jungle they use film of that day in the songs video. The black and white concert footage was shot on the day 2 died.

I don't know what happened at Astroworld but have an idea of the panic. I don't know if it was a flat floor and people wanted a better view or if people wanted to be closer to the acts. Bands and singers always encourage the audience to get more involved but this time something went wrong. Maybe a small incident triggered a big one. If there's a crush and a small part is moved the domino effect can start and many will fall.

It reminded me I could have been crushed , I could have been hurt badly or many other things could have happened that day. I went in to the mosh pit for bands like slayer and slipknot, among others, after that. I knew I would be looked after and I would look after others. That day In 88 it was everyone for themselves.

I hope their are lessons learned quickly and the idiots blaming human sacrifice and the devil shut up soon. You should be able to go to any concert anywhere and come home after in one piece. Next time you go to one, look around. Do a health and safety check and if not happy stand well back. Always better to be safe and alive.