This myspace bulletin has been going around for a while, and I figured it was only natural that someone should post it here. Let the drama commence.

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This was written by a friend of mine.

Sign it, repost it, spread it around. If you would like to REALLY help...you can print out a copy of this, sign it, get your friends to sign and mail it to Mark's Showplace and TNT!

Tell them what you think.



To Whom It May Concern,

This letter is meant as an act of defiance against the harsh treatment which is increasingly becoming TNT Security’s modus operandi. It is the intent of this letter to show the security company and the venues thinking of hiring its services that there are many of us who are unhappy with their belligerent attitude at shows and that promoters should consider alternative security companies, or at the least, should instruct TNT Security to re-evaluate its procedures and approach.

On the night of November 10th, 2007, my partner and I traveled from the Hudson Valley to Mark’s Showplace in Bedford, New Hampshire for the Enslaved/Arsis show. We came with seven other friends, all paying customers. During the course of the night I watched the TNT bouncersharass patrons who they suspected of being underage (a mystery considering they were IDing at the door), who they regarded as rowdy, and who, in the case of one friend who was subsequently barred from re-entering the show, they considered guilty by association with one girl they kicked out for having inappropriate identification. This friend was questioned as to his reason at being at the show! Inquiries of that nature are inappropriate at a music show and are meant as tools which are often used by police officers to intimidate as well as control. With such security officers overseeing the crowd, it was impossible to relax and have a good time. We were continually afraid of being accused of behavior considered too intoxicated, too rowdy, too dangerous, and threatened with being kicked out.

I was appalled to understand the bouncers had kicked out the band Severed Survival after they had played, regardless of the fact that all shows are eighteen and up and even though marks on their hands indicated they were under twenty-one. Later on, while smoking a cigarette, I witnessed one bouncer turn away the keyboardist of Enslaved for not having the right tags on his person! By the end of the night, out of the seven people my partner and I arrived with earlier, only one remained. I do not think I need to explain how ludicrous the situation became.

I have been going to shows for eight years all over New England and I have never encountered a more hostile environment for patrons than when TNT is providing security. The celebration of metal music lies in its attitude of anti-establishment-ism, rebellion, and to a limited extent, violence. Never have I encountered such a thorough attempt to stifle a music’s message. I left Mark’s Showplace early that night, filled with disgust by the actions of the security company and intend to personally boycott every venue that hires them and will encourage my friends to do the same. The following petition has been signed by like-minded people and is meant to serve as an example to promoters thinking of hiring TNT and to TNT itself. It will be sent directly to the security company, with copies of it being sent out to various venues throughout the New England area.

I urge these promoters to please reconsider hiring TNT Security to host your shows. There are many people who are unhappy with the services they render. You will gain more revenue by not having them there and multiply the positive experiences of your patrons.

Submitted Respectfully,


Genevieve S. Salerno

Sad to say, it won't do any good.

Yeah, it really doesn't matter. Mark's/Bernie will continue to grab all the good tours going through, some band will always cream their shorts when their favorite band is playing, and agree to sell 874598 tickets to play. Also, Mark's doesn't care if you have a good time as long as they have your money, hence TNT Security will still have their contract and run things however their steroid-clouded brains tell them to.

Yep, Marks can fuck themselves and their killer shows. Its not worth the bullshit. The place was to good to be true. I knew there had to be a catch to it and then I found out first hand just what it was....
...When I got escorted out the door like a beer soaked pretzel and thrown in the cold. haha!

I'm learning the live experience isn't so fun anymore anyways. I'd much rather listen to bands in the comfort of my own personal misanthropic shithole on a beat up stereo drinking cheaper and better adult beverages any night.

blah blah blah fuckity fuck fuck fuck

yeah my friend got denied at the door for not having a valid id. her license had just expired the day before but the way i understand it is that an expired license can be used as identification; it just isn't valid for driving. anyways, she was the last of the group of four people i came with and the owner refused to give us our money even though we didn't stay for one band. fuck mark's. fuck it up it's stupid ass.

Hot lesbian or butch?

yeah a petition won't do any good. the only thing that will have an impact is if they book shows but no one goes, and they are forced to give up. but that can work adversely, where a band will book a big tour, play at Mark's, see that no one came, get pissed and not play around here again.

I don't think I ever want to attend this venue.

It sounds THAT bad.

don't, you aren't missing anything. i only went there to see Finntroll, and thats because its fucking Finntroll.

thuringwethil said:

finally! we're getting through to some people.

I went there once. never again.

place sounds stupid, even if they do get all the good national extreme metal

just sounds un-fun and un-metal

thrown out for HEADBANGING?

I miss The Channel.
:o(

I don't think this petition will do any good as well for the same reasons that have already been stated.

Mark's makes too much money at this, so they don't see a problem. There are way too many upstart bands that are willing to play there at any cost for these nationals.

thuringwethil said:

Yes -- many fond memories of The Channel.

Yeah, I'm not really sure how much a petition will accomplish, but at least it's one (intelligent and sane) way of telling them that there are a lot of people whose money they will not be getting due to how bad the security is. When I signed the petition, I made sure to provide details about one experience I had at Mark's when a guy was injured and unconscious, and security was pretty careless about it. Liability and safety issues can be a seriously bad thing for any club if it ends up in a lawsuit or violation of applicable laws.

Yeti said:

Ditto; that was my one and only trip. I knew I needed to see the place for myself (after hearing how shit-trocious it was for so long); now I know. And knowing is half the battle!


bennyhillifier

Just to let you know, it is not the purpose of this petition to shut anyone down or change the world. It is an offering for people who have shared bad experiences at the hands of security to come together. Will it change the habits of the promoters/bouncers? Thats not a question I even ask myself, because thats not the point. But for all of those out there who think ONE person or opinion cant make a difference, consider this: its impossible to get a good night's sleep with ONE mosquito in your bedroom, and the difference between a pitch black room and a lit one is ONE lit candle.

Go ahead and enjoy the last word.
G*

Uh, so exactly what is the point of this petition then?

RichHorror said:

to let you know that MARKS HAS GONE TOO FAR GUY!


...like we didnt know this 35675679 years ago.

haha, yeah. I'm sure they'll stop their booking policies and the way they run their venue because some people signed an online petition yet CONTINUE GOING TO SHOWS AT THEIR VENUE.

The point of this is to at least (in a more serious and formal way) let Mark's and TNT know that what they are doing isn't right. Yeah you guys can just sit around and say who cares...but turning the other cheek is not what we are about. Sorry

Here are some peoples responses. Please feel free to add your name and your opinion of TNT here. It only takes a second!

I myself have had many run-ins with tnt security. this company has no place at a metal venue and i will not attend any show at any venue that employs them. i sign this petition with the hopes that everyone else that enjoys the true metal experience will stand up as well.

-Crazy Dan Silver


I have attended this venue twice this past year. In both instances it seemed that the security guards were far more rowdy than the paying attendees, many of which drove hours out of their way to watch the bands preforming that night. I understand to an extent the no moshing policy held by this club. On the other hand, it would seem that these security guards bring the conflicts upon themselves. Quite frankly, I am disgusted by the way customers are treated at this venue. Until changes are made among the staff of Mark's Rock Club as well as the termination of TNT security, I will NOT in any circumstances be attending this venue.

-Connor Dooley

Having been present for one of the same shows as Connor, I witnessed a bouncer under the employ of Mark's commit actions that could have easily led to a conviction for assault, had his victim chosen to contact a lawyer. this bouncer's victim was a paying patron of the club.

It's true that Mark's has a "no moshing" rule. it's also true that some homeowners have a no smoking rule in their houses. If one of these homeowners were to invite a group of smokers into their house, and then hand them cigarettes, should he then reasonably expect them not to smoke?

Any venue hiring TNT security can expect to have a reduced turnout for that show, resulting in less revenue for the club and bands less willing to return to that venue. They can also expect potentially business-ending legal battles resulting from TNT security's irresponsible and unprofessional use of excessive force.

- DFTG


i refuse to go to another show at marks or staffed by TNT security. fuck them. i was thrown out of marks during the finntroll show. total douchebags

- wargozer

After witnessing, and hearing about numerous concert-goers being thrown out of this venue for absurd reasons by the overly vehement security, and being told I couldn't headbang at metal show, I have little interest in attending shows staffed by TNT. I was present at the Finntroll show on September 22nd, and the only time the crowd got rowdy was when a security guards were shoving people who weren't doing anything wrong out of the way in order to pull someone out of the audience. Some changes need to be made.

-Maegan

I've banned Mark's Showplace since last April. First and last show I went to there was 1349 and I will not return for any event there. The bands played great but the rest of the experience was horrible thanks to the security staff. Based on the contents of the above written letter, I don't feel the need to go into detail about my night there since my experience was about the same. Furthermore I refuse to attend any other venue that contracts them for security.

-Nicole Moriarty

I've seen this company more or less harass multiple patrons.These men don't just "do there job".They hunt patrons and harass them.Head banging or being drunk isn't a crime.I've never been given a warning for "looking drunk" if I wasn't braking any laws,other than by TNT.TNT security once used my date's face to open a door while dragging him out.A cop saw this and said he could have filled out a report.If anyone else is manhandled like that,I hope you sue.
-Juliette

I have witnessed inappropriately aggressive behavior from TNT Security on numerous occasions. Because of this, I have not attended any concerts at Mark's Showplace in several months, and I have no intention of visiting Mark's Showplace in the future. I once watched several security guards aggressively grab a petite female friend of mine from behind and drag her out of the club with excessive force, simply because she was taking pictures and was not aware that she needed a press pass in order to take pictures at Mark's Showplace. A simple tap on the shoulder and a brief explanation of the club's rules would have sufficed. I've also seen security target myself as well as friends of mine, all of whom were abiding by the "no moshing" rule, simply because we enthusiastically cheered and slightly moved while a band was playing. In addition to aggressive behavior, I have also witnessed safety issues which would be a serious liability problem for the club. I once saw a man accidentally smack his head on the metal barrier in front of the stage and knock himself unconscious at Mark's Showplace. A friend of mine carried him out of the crowd, and even after I had asked security for assistance, it was several minutes before TNT Security came to help this unconscious man who was lying on the floor. It was another patron and me who placed the man in the recovery position that is taught in CPR training, took his pulse, and attempted to wake him up while security failed to act quickly. I had to ask security several times to call an ambulance before anything was done. Eventually, a few security guards carelessly lifted and dragged this unconscious man to the door and left him lying on the floor by himself in the entry way to the club (where it was very cold). Initially, they would not allow his friends to watch him until an ambulance arrived. It was not until I discussed the liability issue of leaving an unconscious man alone in front of a door where people were stepping over him that they allowed his friends to keep an eye on him. I have never seen such unprofessional security practices at any venue.

- Samantha Godbout (Worcester, MA)

At this point I think is unnecessary to mention that TNT Security is the main reason I refuse to attend any show at Mark’s Showplace no matter how good the show is. There is absolutely no point to spend money in that place.

-Charlie Monroy

Newsflash -- Mark's, Bernie & TNT does not care because you idiots will continue to attend/play shows there. They will take your money and laugh at you.

NO d00d, TeHis iS Us StAnDING Up For Teh RiGhtS!!!!!111! TheY wIll See TiHs MeSsAGE AnDS ChANge TheyrZ EvILLLLL WAyyyyzZ!!111!

Instead of signing this petition why doesn't everyone who agrees with this go and fight TNT in a METAL RUMBLE

largefreakatzero said:

WRONG

RTTP vs TNT?

METAL RUMBLE

Suffocation is absolutely one of my favorite bands, but after experiences I've had in the past at Mark's, I will ABSOLUTELY not return to that venue ever again. Fuck TNT. Fuck pay to play.

Your words mean nothing until you act on them.

"'ve banned Mark's Showplace since last April. First and last show I went to there was 1349 and I will not return for any event there. The bands played great but the rest of the experience was horrible thanks to the security staff. Based on the contents of the above written letter, I don't feel the need to go into detail about my night there since my experience was about the same. Furthermore I refuse to attend any other venue that contracts them for security."

-Nicole Moriarty

Keith's ex got canned from there even. High-Lar-I-Tee

ANYWAYS
As Rich was hinting at, this may show that people hate the fucking place and everyone running it, but that does no good.
You hit them where it hurts.
IN THE WALLET!

If everyone here wants to hurt Mark's, Bernie and TNT, you must hurt their bottom line.
That is the only way to break them down.
I know a guy looking to get a serious venue in Lawrence going.
500ish people plus. All ages with bar (I'm pretty sure of that). No dickhead security that tosses you out for moshing and headbanging.
Plus, it's in the northern region that Mark's draws on.
We would need to push a place like this and get it to the attention of booking companies that book their tours and put them in shitholes like Mark's.
Wouldn't you figure a place like that would be better, seeing as you could fit more people in it and bands wouldn't hate it like the fucking plauge?

That club is run by jews!!!

Burnsy said:

Nope, expired licenses can't be used for shit.

Well, not in MA at least. Maybe in NH.

I say someone should wait in the parking lot before TNT arrive at the venue and pull an ol' Tanya Harding on their Nancy Kerrigan bitch-asses, then treat Mark's to some delicious Molotov Cocktails. I'd personally love to slap Bernie in his fat gizzard with a sledge hammer as well.

I won't go there EVEN IF Shellac plays.

I_am_not_me said:

I'm pretty sure you can use a note from your parents or a GED in NH.

RAPE THEIR RECTUMS

BLACK POWER!

DaveFromTheGrave said:

There are exceptions, I know you won't be going back there. Unfortunately many will.

I am never going back to Mark's. I don't care who plays.

You know what might be a better idea...which I think i am going to start doing ...I'm going to start emailing every band that books a show at mark's...their manager's, booking agents and tell them I am not going to their show, and how I would of if it was any where else besides mark's.

if you want to do the same
http://www.suffocation.us/suffocation.asp

start now

quintessence said:

the other thing that won't make a difference is shit like this. no one is going to pay attention to a bunch of metal heads writing about how much they hate a venue when its signed "Crazy Dan" and with things like "the true metal experience". this has to be presented way more officially. plus, RTTP probably makes up 30% of the people that go there, so this isn't getting out. most people don't care if the security are assholes because they don't do anything to instigate the security. as far as they are concerned, its a chance to see the bands they want to see. they don't play in a local band so they don't know how awful the bands are treated. this would have to be exposed to a lot of people in a lot of places in order to have an impact. 10 people is of course a good place to start, but a revolution takes the masses.

Somebody needs to make "TNT SECURITY SUCKS" shirts and get about 15+ people to wear them at a show. If treated unfairly, report it, as it is a violation of free speech.

Also, I don't know if anyone else remembers this, but during Enslaved, some girl started to "mosh" and within 5 seconds TNT was there shining the light in the face and it looked like they shoved her on the ground. She got up and ran away.
One other thing, that fat dude that sits in the back corner to the entrance to the strip club has an extreme attitude. He slammed me for leaving a beer on the counter top when there was a trash for empties a good 25 feet away from me. Somewhat understandable, however he acted like he was the TRASH POLICE.

I don't think this has anything to do with Bernie.. it's Mark that sets the rules for TNT. Contact the guy who books the bands for Bernie (John Finberg) firstrowtalent@aol.com and offer him more money than Bernie for a band or package tour... Bernie low balls anyway. For a little over $1000 anybody could have booked Enslaved. Beware Finberg is an asshole, but he will show no loyalty to Bernie if you offer him more money. Pool your money and take the shows away from Mark's! Rent a PA, venue and your own security, but unless someone else is competition.. your fucked.

Dropping loads!

My response to this:

We played there in 2006 with Cattle Decapitation, and it was one of the worst shows ever. We were told to sell 25 tickets, and only had a week to do so, so me and my singer had to drop money out of our own pockets for it. We also warned them beforehand that our lead guitarist was only 16 at the time, and they said it's fine, we'll still be able to play. We were supposed to co-headline the show, but the minute we reminded them the guitarist was only 16, they said we had to play second so they could close the bar right after he leaves.

I went there again at some other point to see Krisiun, and they must have ID'd me two more times after they did before I entered. No one has ever told me I look younger than I am, and I rarely get carded to buy cigarettes. So that pissed me off.

Then I went there again to see 1349, and it was another horrible experience. It was just straight up boring because we weren't able to do anything. Just stand there. Shitty birthday present for my best friend.

-Greg

Beefy cunt!

Bernie doesn't hire the security so it's really got little to do with him. No amount of petitions, testimonials, or letters will do a damn thing. The owner of Marks (Mark, I assume) doesn't know dick or shit about metal, metal shows, head-banging, or anything that doesn't involve squeezing money out of strippers and bands. Eventually everyone in New England will be bounced out of Mark's and eventually those people will stop attending, however every year another flood of newly 21 fans will replace them.

Your candle is useless, sorry to say, however it can't hurt to annoy the fuck out of Mark with emails like this.

I like the T-shirt idea, although they won't let any of you in and they'll get away with it.

"Hurrrrrr... Sloth love cowboy hat..."

"Yarp."

DestroyYouAlot said:

You are one ugly mutherfucker!

OMG, THIS IS SO JUNE OF 2006!!!
Saw a few shows there this past year and was guest listed for just about all of them. I refuse to pay there unless a women has me by the balls!
I know the past few Sexcrement shows have landed on nights with some big national tours stopping at Mark's that night as well. Sucks that all these local bands are clinging to a pathetic attempt to prove themselves as worthy. And it sucks even more that people are buying into it and supporting such low standard garbage. You only have yourselves to blame!

BRING IN YOUR BLACK "FRIENDS," START A RACE WAR

THE PRESS WILL COVER IT UP

AND WE GET TO BURN WHITEY'S CLUB

BLACK POWER!

Yeti said:

I don't know if you've been there lately, but you really don't have to do anything to instigate the security to be kicked out. That is the problem. People who have no problem behaving themselves and following the "no moshing" rule have been kicked out for some of the most asinine reasons. If you look like you're even remotely having a good time (like if you have a smile on your face, and you're moving your head but not entirely headbanging), they will follow you around like you're some sort of psychopath who will start trouble. I know people who have been kicked out of Mark's for being "too drunk" even though they only had about 2 beers. It's pretty ridiculous.

yeah, the one time I went there, it was hot, and some kid got kicked out for taking his shirt off.

he wasn't asked to put his shirt back on, he was kicked out without the option to return.

Samantha said:

the last time i went there, and i mean LAST time, was for Finntroll, and i saw tons of bullshit with the security. i know what you mean. these guys act like SWAT team members, when they are in an even lower class than mall security. i just stood off towards the pool tables to avoid any shit. i know the Palladium sound leaves something to be desired, but i'll take any show, any day there over anything at Mark's.

BornSoVile said:

Aahahahahhaha and who do you play for?

Josh plays for Sexcrement. He used to be in Ascendancy.

I went to ONE Mark's Show Place show in support of the Accursed back in August. I refuse to go back there at any point in the future. Finntroll. Overkill. Exodus. I don't care who is playing. I am not fucking going to pay 5 bucks for a cheap Coors Light, only to be told I can't headbang to a metal band... never mind no moshing for thrash performances. No, if I have a night off and the opportunity to go to a club show then I'm going to HELL. The rest of you balless prog nerds from North Mass can enjoy your shitty club in the middle of fuckidontknowwhere.

aril said:

I went to ONE Mark's Show Place show in support of the Accursed back in August. I refuse to go back there at any point in the future. Finntroll. Overkill. Exodus. I don't care who is playing. I am not fucking going to pay 5 bucks for a cheap Coors Light, only to be told I can't headbang to a metal band... never mind no moshing for thrash performances. No, if I have a night off and the opportunity to go to a club show then I'm going to HELL. The rest of you balless prog nerds from North Mass can enjoy your shitty club in the middle of fuckidontknowwhere.

aril said:

Free speech only applies to public and government venues. While you are within a privately owned establishment, you revoke your constitutional rights and pay to adhere to the owner's policies and guidelines.

Read about what you're talking about before trying to come off like you know. Jackass.

aril said:

Free speech only applies to public and government venues. While you are within a privately owned establishment, you revoke your constitutional rights and pay to adhere to the owner's policies and guidelines.

Read about what you're talking about before trying to come off like you know. Jackass.

*fixed

HeCameFromGaul-
I don't really care too much about that kind of stuff. I figured TNT, being a separate entity from Mark's altogether, would make it different.
Any discriminatory or unneeded belligerent
act towards a group of people can be reported nonetheless. Even though it may not have any importance to any settlement; it will, however spread the word about the ignorance of TNT.
And, last not not least, if anyone is coming off as a jackass, it would be you. I bet your superiority complex over these "balless prog nerds" you speak of makes you feel safe and protected, thanks to your insecure self.

sorry aril, hecamefromgaul is correct and they can bar you entry. though they would probably have to refund your ticket.

someone should just open a better club and monger up all the national tours.

BornSoVile said:

LIES!you willing went to Doro and loved every minute of it.

Sweet.
Not going to happen, knowing them.

eat_a_bag_of_dead_dix said:

oui oui vous fromage! parce que lécher votre bout!

I got kicked out for doing coke in the backroom of the strip joint section of Marks! HOW DARE THEY!!!!?? BOYCOTT!!

you need a schmandy ring to snuff like 17th century french aristocrats.

eat_a_bag_of_dead_dix said:


all in good time.

Dammit, I just said I knew a guy doing that in fuckin Lawrence!

BornSoVile said:

Avez-vous léché le fromage de son bout?! Est cela que vous essayiez de dire? LOL!

Dankill said:

too bad lawrence is one of the worst places ever. i would rather go to aushwi... i mean mark's than drive through a corner of lawrence going 237 mph.

stink bomb the whole club on a regular basis .

Heres a solution. You people should just stop congregating at these terrible "metal" concerts and stay in your cozy little homes until the secret police come and take you rabble-rousing subversives to the gulags.

Fuck freedom.

In Soviet Russia, metal concert goes to you!

The Ghost of Joseph Stalin said:

I trade you Levis and Marlboro for sister?

"My sister she show her vajin to my brother Bilo and she says "You will never get this, you will never get this lalalala". But one time he break the cage and he get this."

we have no more rubles for you. we spent them all on rock band autograph.

Khazakhstan greatest country in the world
All other countries are run by little girls

Khazakhstan Number One exporter of Potassium
All other countries have inferior Potassium

Khazakhstan home of TinShein swimming pool
Its length thirty metre and length six metre

Filtration system a marvel to behold
It remove 80% of human solid waste

Khazakhstan, Khazakhstan you very nice place
From plains of Tarashenk to northern fence of Jewtown

Khazakhstan friend of all except Uzbekistan
They very nosey people with bone in their brain

Khazakhstan industry best in the world
We invented toffee and the trouser belt

Khazakhstan's prostitutes cleanest in the region
Except of course for Turkmenistan's

Khazakhstan, Khazakhstan you very nice place
From plains of Tarashenk to northern fence of jewtown

Come grasp the mighty penis of our leader
From junction with the testes to the tip of its face

We have had our last straw withthem last night they twisted my arm around for jumpin I was never asked to leave just grabbed after I brought them 1000$ and all my following who all drink and tip I might add , with all the money they make you think they'd try to be kind to us who make that place run, anyway I shook the tall skinny fag looking kid off and told him I'd leave just don't put your fuckin hands on me he continued to push me twice more when my girl and friends came to help he then grabbed my girl by the throat a fuckin girl, and slammed her head into the wall near the pool tables security was all over my friends and I wrestled that fag to the door, turned to walk out on my own he then grabbed me again and started grabbin me like he wanted to fight and pushed me out the door and held the door close before we we're out side, I do wish he had came outside so I could have beat his fuckin ass cause there is no need or reason for the harsh and violent methods they treat everyone like they we're in a fight I hope some one does somthing or at least tell me the tall skinny blonde
white kids name he's young and has blue eyes anyway fuck them listen to Lot Fifty Four -EJ-

the only reason that place still runs is because dumb ass bands give him money to play there. they see the big bands and want to play with them so they agree to do the pay to play. he would never be able to pay the big bands to come without all the local bands selling the tickets. so if you don't pay to play the big bands can't come through and in return the big bands stop coming to that shitty establishment.

*yawn*

Exactly.

I think Composted should host a Cookie Monster-themed birthday party there with at least a gallon drum of frosting for the audience to distribute liberally about the premises.