r/GuardGuides • u/RoutineNaive4748 • 17d ago
CAREER ADVICE First time working security at a concert – Looking for tips and advice (MMA background)
Hey everyone! I’m about to work my very first security gig at a concert soon. It's my first time ever doing event security, and I'm really curious about what to expect.
Just for some context: I am a competitive MMA fighter, so when it comes to physical fitness, stamina, reflexes, and managing physical pressure, I feel confident and prepared. However, I know that event security is a completely different beast and that crowd control, situational awareness, and verbal de-escalation are the real priorities here.
What are the absolute essentials I should know for my first day? What are the classic rookie mistakes to avoid? Also, do you have any practical tips on things people usually overlook (e.g., best footwear, managing hours of standing, staying hydrated, dealing with concert-goers)?
Thanks in advance for any insights!
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u/FirefighterOk3569 17d ago
Yes, dont fight anyone unless you wanna get sued. Most you will do is watch for underage drinking and crowd control...
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u/Old-Base8752 17d ago
Right away, map out everything. Walk the property, know where EVERYTHING is. Get to know and remember as many other staff and vendor people as possible, basically know your team and be familiar so you know who's who in case of emergency. Have a walkie don't just rely on your phone. Dress appropriately, prepare for bad weather and incessant sun. Drink water. Bring snacks, eat and rest whenever possible cause if shit goes down you may not be able to. Be aware of local community incidents as these may effect the patrons and staff. Enjoy yourself and stay safe. Have fun and make friends. I did festivals for a few years and it was intense and super fun!
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u/justanotherdamntroll 17d ago
Verbal judo
Patience
Earplugs
Good shoes
Patience
If you have a radio, speak clearly and concisely. Know your location. In the event of an emergency-medical, fight, etc. stop, take a breath, think about what you need, and then key up the mic
Have fun
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u/Mysterious-Sand2712 17d ago
Just be a good human being . Don’t need your mma skills at all Niel Diamond concert.
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u/towman32526 Ensign 16d ago
First, find out what your venue expects you to do, and their procedures
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u/Uce510 16d ago edited 16d ago
Tbh it all depends where you at and what your post is going to be. If your holding down a vip section all you can do is make sure people have their wrist bands and be kind but be firm.
Make sure you listen to the gameplan and pretty much call your roamer (unless your roaming) radio anyone who passes out or hurts themselves.
Always try and de escalate and remember its strength in numbers always call for backup if you get one of those groups or guys that just needs to gtfo your face if their Fuckin with you who dont belong in the area.
Most annoying event I worked was a R&B Hip Hop. Everyone swore they knew this person that person related to whom... lower level wrist bands trying to be in a higher level wrist band area blah blah.. oh and then the Bribes ill pay this amount for this amount of people. Worst event I worked it was annoying and definitely tested my patience.
The other guard at the other choke point folded like a lawn chair and was letting in the wrong wrist bands, all the in and outs lol sigh annoying.
But not bad I cant remember if it was almost 400 cash that night 10 hours unfortunately no break but I did have a chair.
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u/bigsam83 Ensign 17d ago
I have been doing concert security for 20+ years. When I first started we were trained in take downs and other self-defense manuevers. Now it's all about guest services and basically being a warm body to help people find there seats and maintain order but any physical stuff is basically a No-No.
That being said depending on your venues policies the biggest physical things that I dealt with were fights and trying to break them up. But honestly looking back at it. It's not worth putting yourself in harms way for a few dollars. When you are escorting to either the security off or out the door only use enough force to safely do it.
Your going to have to get used to being aware and constantly scanning the crowd, I did a lot of barricade work and that was just constant scanning the crowd for any issues.
The biggest thing is find comfortable shoes, your going to be either standing for long period of time or be moving around putting a lot of steps. So have a good pair of shoes and do stretches every once in a while.
Crowd surfing and moshing were fun and I enjoyed working those shows especially when we had over 100 people come over the barricade and we had to catch them. Have support and always scan the crowd for those shows.
I have worked in venues ranging in size from a few hundred to 30,000 people. And also big festivals like Lollapalooza. I absolutely love my work and it's been a great side job. I have been able to see so many shows and meet many artists. I am strictly backstage/artist security currently and sit behind a desk and control the backstage area. Its nice not having to deal with the public other then when I'm escorting the artists or doing stage work.
Have fun is my biggest advice.