Right now I'd be writing a review of what would of been a brilliant gig with Coves and Lusts at A Nation Of Shopkeepers last night, if it weren't for the fact I got turned away at the door. After travelling well over an hour from Grimsby to Leeds, I was more than looking forward to the gig but due to the fact of a lack of communication between the venue and the promoter, I couldn't get in. With myself being 16, I'm always conscious when it comes to buying gig tickets as many venues disallow under 18's in them, and that's fair. But as this gig was advertised right from being announced as an over 14's event, I thought I'd have no problems getting in.
That was before we turned up at the door and the bouncers requested ID. Of course, I weren't carrying any as I had no intention of drinking and the gig had been advertised as an over 14's event. I questioned, and the bouncers gave us the simple explanation that after 6:30 pm, no under 18's are allowed in. Fair enough, but why wasn't this advertised clearly at any point on the promoters website or the venues website? Despite the fact that the Seetickets ticket clearly stated 'For over 14's only', neither the bouncers or the promoter that came out to speak to us made any effort to sympathise with the situation. After attempting numerous times to explain their mistakes, we weren't allowed in and set off on our long journey back home. In all fairness, this is a total and utter joke. I completely understand the fact that age limits are there for a reason, and if they're displayed clearly by the promoter and the gig venue alike, I wouldn't be too bothered as I wouldn't of made the effort to go in the first place. But due to the fact that my ticket stated 'For overs 14's only', that should of allowed me entry no matter what.
Thanks to last nights events, I'm no longer going to be so confident when buying gig tickets and this shouldn't be the case. Why because I'm under 18 should I not be allowed to enjoy music like others? I am not interested in getting smashed out my head at a gig and I go purely to see my favourite bands and artists, but if unsympathising bouncers and promoters aren't going to allow me, why should I bother?