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I was at the concert last night and need to point out that it was not the security that halted the gig. It was the lack of security and the incompetence of the few security staff that were there, that led to the crowd getting out of control and the band themselves stopping the gig and leaving the stage.

The security appeared to do very little to control or sort out the escalating situation. I was actually surprised the band returned to the stage at all.

I have witnessed this type of problem at the Leas Cliff Hall before and will now be very hesitant to return to a concert there in the future. It is a shame that a handful of 'idiots' and a lack of decent security ruined the evening for so many fans and an amazing group.

honestly... the security was fine, if they had left the front of the stage it would have been invaded so kudos to them for staying.

people get on stage for their faveourite bands all the time. its a rush and feels soooo good.

i think you hsould leave the young people alone and realise that gigs are for fun. just like this one was

I really don't know how you can suggest the security was "fine" - I agree those that were there probably did all they could, but they were way understaffed and thus unable to control the crowd sufficiently.

Interesting that you say leave the "young people" alone...what makes you think that I am not a young person also?! Gigs are for fun and to enjoy, but they are not fun for the vast majority of the crowd when you have a group of people causing chaos just for the "fun" of it. It certainly isn't fun to be smashed into repeatedly, have beer thrown over your head every 2 minutes or have people shouting so loudly that you cannot hear the music. I also don't think that the band themselves would have considered it to be a "fun" evening. Whilst getting on the stage might be a "rush", it essentially ruined the final song of the evening, so again not "fun" for those who cam to see the band play. Did you not see the reaction of Tom Smith (vocalist) to that incident? He certainly did not look impressed.

I have been to countless numbers of concerts, both at the Leas and all over the UK, most of these being rock or metal gigs. Through all of those (and there have been some dubious venues!) I have never witnessed anything like the Editors gig. The behaviour of those few ruined what should have been an amazing evening - a band as amazing as Editors, who have a reputation for being one of the finest current live groups were shown no respect by this group and had to battle playing through their set. A lot of respect is due to them for carrying on playing.

Jewboy, I actually agree with you on one level - these gigs are supposed to be "fun". I certainly go to gigs to enjoy myself and have a good night out.

However your definition of "fun" is clearly different. So here's what my dictionary says:

"Fun: A source of enjoyment, amusement, or pleasure"

Did people ENJOY the fighting, the throwing of objects at the band, the security staff and members of the public. I got hit by something thrown, it was not "enjoyable" in any way...

Were people AMUSED to see a young woman attacked by a gang of agressive chimps, and an attempt made against her will to throw her over the barrier, causing her to flee the venue in shock and tears? Doubtful..

Did people get PLEASURE from the band leaving the stage in disgust, watching blood spattered yobs fighting in the Leas and then outside afterwards? Not really.

And I don't think it's fair to assume that we're getting at "young people" when this sort of attitude doesn't even reflect the "post-modernist" society we now live in, where generally people believe that it's ok to have fun and be happy AS LONG AS IT DOESN'T HARM OTHERS.

However as you brought it up, young people (and old people alike) need to realise that every action has consequences. If they continue to create these sorts of conditions, then decent bands will not come to Folkestone, the fans will not come, and any sort of "fun" will cease entirely.

As for the stage invader - well. It wasn't even very well done was it? Pathetic. He should stick to flipping burgers...