Sunday, August 23, 2009 - 3:55 pm - jaarnold

This is the 4th time I've seen the Kings after seeing them open for Dylan at the Phil Graham in San Francisco, at Coachella 2 years back and at the Warfield in San Francisco. At each of these shows I was just one of a hoard of dedicated fans that fought their way to the floor and injected an enthusiasm and passion that contributed to the overall feeling of the show. I have seen their live act steadily improve over the years and love participating in the high-tempo feel good groove that they construct at concerts. Although the Kings performed very well the other night, the security guards were SO restrictive and people on the floor SO unenthusiastic I felt embarassed for the citizens of San Diego. I am a San Diego native and I was ashamed to see the lack of enthusiasm from the people on the floor. No dancing, no pits during songs like Four Kicks and when I tried to jump the barricades after leaving my awfully angled seat assignment I was tackled by four security, taken outside the venue and arrested by San Diego Sherrifs. I hope stories like these are specific to the San Diego show but I have a sneaking suspicion that the newfound radio coverage and U.S. commercial success for the Kings has brought in a new audience that is less pure, less enthusiastic and less willing to combat bullshit Gastapo security guards for their love of the band and their need to two-step it out on the floor. Never seeing them in SD again. Fuck Elite Security.