It appears there were some problems over the weekend at the stage door. The crowds were quite large and spilled into the street (which happens frequently) but one group was especially loud and unruly. They just wouldn't listen to the bodyguards and were pushing the barricades. According to someone on the BB, one of the policemen took a couple of playbills from some of the "quiet" fans who couldn't get close, and took them over to Taylor to sign, but a few people who wouldn't back off didn't get autographs, and were upset. Evidently, as soon as TH got to the end of the barricades, the bodyguards insisted he get into the SUV.
I have a feeling it might be like this over these last two weeks. There are a lot of fans heading to NY - for his final performances, which means emotionally packed audiences and a higher than usual energy level. This could result in a more chaotic stage door experience. I hope they have enough security to guarantee that everyone can get autographs and pictures - without whisking him off quickly - because they're afraid someone might get hurt.
Here's a couple of comments from people who were there.
"Yes, I was there and the crowd outside the barricade was very scary. One lady from Canada told the policeman that she was never coming back and that she was not about to get behind the barricade. I was standing right there and heard and saw it all.
The night before was completely different. Taylor stayed longer, the crowd was calm and he was very comfortable with signing the playbills.
When the crowd ignores the person trying to keep things in order, he does what he is paid to do - get it in order - or get Taylor out of there! And that is exactly what he did. Thank you, Carmine, for doing your job and doing it well."
Posted August 25th, 2008 10:39 AM
"I was there right behind the barricade Saturday night too and saw everything. Lanae, LindaC, and cooljj are right. The crowd that refused to step behind the barricades was very unruly. Three policemen were working to keep the crowd under control - as well as Carmine the bodyguard. They did exactly what they needed to do. . .keep Taylor safe. . .and I thank all of them for that!"
Someone once commented that Carmine looks scary. OF COURSE! He is paid to look scary. Every theater has a Carmine (well, not him but the like) and it's a good thing for everyone involved.
I have been to the stage door many times, more than just the times I have seen the show and I have never seen in smile.
That's just awful! Those folks ruined the experience for everyone else there, AND ruined it for Taylor as well. I'm so glad that Carmine is not taking any chances; keep that man safe!
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"It's music, man. If music is in your heart, you feel it, you play it, you sing it, you perform it, you bust your buns doing it. That's what its all about!" - Taylor Hicks, following "Levon" performance, American Idol 2/22/06
Carmine is a very nice person. He's just doing his job. People should respect that. I found Carmine to be a very pleasant man and he was polite and helping in any way he could. See you next week Carmine.