"People were dropping like flies." Concert-goers say Boston Calling overcrowded, dangerous

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has pledged to work with the festival to provide additional resources next year.

[@shannonsollman3509]

This looks like my worst nightmare =way too many people!!!!

[@MrBluecrab7]

Where’s the bathroom! 😂

[@t.h.8475]

I do not like large crowds.

[@dananorth895]

I don't like people.

[@northdakotaham1752]

I hate large crowds of people! Its what keeps me living in North Dakota!

[@lynsylva-bb6ss]

I used to have a friend from there. Sounds like a wonderful place the way he described it. Oops sorry it was Bismarck.

[@northdakotaham1752]

@@lynsylva-bb6ss Bismarck is the middle of the state. Very nice town!

[@dontneednomanstoptelllingm8481]

Yeah when I used to snail mail cuz some people don't do that anymore because of the stamps so high I would get postcards from all around the world and I love that that area and so did South and North Dakota was really beautiful

[@kkirsch3583]

You know it! It’s waaaay too people-y out here…😵‍💫

[@Nuttyirishman85]

The last time I went, I couldn’t see the stage. Every dad had his kids on his shoulders, blocking everyone’s view. If your kid needs ear protection at a concert, get a sitter.

[@arleenmorlino4019]

I can’t even imagine why people put themselves in situations like this anymore..you are literally being smothered to death..stay away from this crap..!!!!

[@jason-hy8ci]

NEVER BEEN..... to an all "Open" show..... and NEVER will. WAY too much agrivation.

[@crm1225]

Walking into any festival without a hydration pack is setting yourself up for failure

[@sherrymonfils9342]

Many events don't allow u to bring in anything anymore.

[@AF-tv6uf]

@@sherrymonfils9342 Yeah, that's the issue. At that point, where you can't bring a SEALED bottle of water in, they clearly care more about cash than safety.

[@k.chriscaldwell4141]

They won’t let you bring in water. In Chicago they’ve tossed people sneaking water in over the fence. Tossed people found walking around with water bottles or drinking from brands not sold within.

[@itsonlyatail]

Exactly…you must be a mom!

[@scarygary-qq1pj]

​@@sherrymonfils9342Yes they do.

[@Ypykaiayyymfr]

I’ve worked over 1000 live events I can tell you that logistically that was set up completely wrong. The one girl was right in saying this, you don’t have the headliners performing on one side and the opener is performing on another, they definitely need to hire someone who knows what they’re doing when laying out the grounds and the stages along with the bathrooms and water stations.

[@joetrolo7076]

No thanks!! I've been to enough concerts to know that situation would be no fun. I'll stick to smaller venues

[@beepboop9464]

Smaller venues can be just as dangerous unfortunately.

[@joetrolo7076]

@@beepboop9464 maybe, but far less likely

[@Jon_Nadeau_]

@@beepboop9464 I enjoy the smaller venue more. I never go to the big ones. What a nightmare.

[@greggreg2263]

Damn, I would hate to be there amongst that many people

[@stoneneils]

You aren't there when you are among that many people..that's why we go..to lose ourselves. It doesn't always works though, dependson the dj/music/drugs you are on.

[@89playstation65]

As an introvert, this is my worst nightmare!!!!

[@dananorth895]

As an autist this IS HELL.

[@verlania7539]

Mine too. You couldn't pay me to be amongst a crowd like that

[@MrDandaman2000]

I hear that. I always loved going to concerts, then I got more introverted as I got older, and the thought of being stuck in a crowd like this makes me anxiety go way up..

[@brillbruiser2762]

Concerts have turned into SACRIFICES.

[@thedoc9062]

That is a fact!

[@kyle6209]

Crowds like that are my worst nightmare

[@scarygary-qq1pj]

No they're not.

[@Gothgalactica]

Same.. I’m so claustrophobic just looking at the pictures makes me feel panicked 😰

[@555rerun]

People are literally getting dumber by the generation

[@Cmon-Man]

I was at the WHO concert, Cincinnati 1979. Something’s just never change it seems. Can never control humans

[@MarkTurner-vs7uc]

I remember that. Festival seating was a big thing back then. That was a terrible thing that happened, I remember that program WKRP did a show about it.

[@Cmon-Man]

@@MarkTurner-vs7uc yep, festival seating was wild. Mad dash to get close to the stage. Never told the band until after the show, said they didn’t want a repeat stampede. Sad memories of a great show

[@wandaritter5704]

Wow, greed over safety! They dont care

[@dickgreen1895]

Aren't we responsible for our own safety, why and who in the hell is THEY, if anything looks sketchy, don't go. Blame yourself not anyone else for your ignorance.

[@4465Vman]

like woodstock 99

[@D-Fens_1632]

It's fascinating how terribly organized events gather momentum and happen anyway with the to be expected disastrous results. They come in different forms, from Altamont to Fyre, but it's all the same. One terribly planned event got romanticized (Woodstock) and people always think "maybe it'll come together and nothing too bad will happen, like at Woodstock," but it's the same delusional gamble.

[@4465Vman]

i heard Mick Jagger perform at Bostons Gillete Stadium last week and he is amazing!!! the biggest thing with Altamount is he did not know the USA hells angels were completely different at the time form the British Hells angels so when he hired them to do security at Altamont he really blew it!! !

[@thegreeninvasion5511]

One more thing for the woke culture to Cry about!🤔

[@ih8paper]

Far more lipids in that crowd than 20 years ago.

[@tarnos4153]

Safety concern in Boston? Get rid of Wu, the criminal protector!

[@markdegloria4038]

Absolutely, Limousine Liberal Marxist, Wu.

[@northdakotaham1752]

Whoever voted her in is probably learning a hard lesson. Or maybe not. Some people are really slow learners.

[@RAdaltonracer]

How does Boston Calling being overcrowded have anything to do with Wu?

[@markdegloria4038]

@@RAdaltonracer it has nothing to do with Our Horrible Mayor.

[@askew9976]

Nobody forced anyone to be there or to stay. We have free will remember.

[@johnwattdotca]

I hope you're not injured by a falling piece of space junk.

[@O.k.lie2me444]

Why

[@Cmon-Man]

@@johnwattdotca Whoa, John that is so fng random. From safety at a festival to “space junk” hitting your dome. That escalated quickly 😂

[@chomama1628]

Remember that only you are responsible for your own safety and to come prepared.

[@johnwattdotca]

@@chomama1628 That's right! If you're passed out at a concert don't let people put sparklers in your hair.

[@D3Hearts]

Just too many people now. The internet has ruined events.

[@silentmajority8365]

I thought it was two colors?

[@slapshot68]

Somebody is organizing these takeovers

[@az0970449]

@@silentmajority8365 lets blame abe :}

[@silentmajority8365]

@@slapshot68 two colors

[@niallk8774]

Babe what does the internet have to do with an in-person concert...

[@koopatroopa187]

Nobody was at the Blondshell's set? That sucks. I guarantee you Blondshell was better than the headliners. Got to see them open for Liz Phair last year. Phenomenal band.

[@soufwesthoustontx]

This would give me severe anxiety. Being so close to people and not being able to move in an crowded area.

[@stoneneils]

Its why we take drugs. So 'we' no longer exist in that crowd..ego is lost. Its like going back to being worms lol.

[@SL-lz9jr]

Yikes. Going to my first music festival in a very long time. I hope it’s less chaotic than this. I’m mentally preparing myself for the experience. I swear social media and the post pandemic world has ruined everything.

[@eh3345]

dont go. Its not even good for your soul, even if nothing bad happens.

[@DaveG425]

“Concerts are supposed to be a ‘safe space’ for people” 😂😂😂😂😂

[@witchfindergeneral13]

I guess I grew up in a different time when you knew what to expect and how to deal with it. You find out if you can bring water before you go. You have meeting places in case you get separated. This seems like people are not making responsible decisions and then blaming others. I guess I just stood in bone crushing packed heavy metal concerts with pits swirling around and learned about it that way. Get tougher people! Or don’t go.

[@wendybutler1681]

1981 Rolling Stones. I could lift my feet off the floor and not fall we were packed in there so tightly. Sweat soaked, hard to get air. Cured me of wanting to be on the floor for big acts. What an experience! At the Kingdome in Seattle.

[@toots810usa6]

I was in Folsom Stadium, Bouder, Colorado for that one! Only concert I ever had to literally fight my way in and out of the restroom whilst people ODing were dragged out on stretchers. Never forget Mick over my head in that cherry picker singing Under My Thumb though!!!

[@jason-hy8ci]

"A person next to me got separated from their friends and had a Panic Attack!......"😱 ---- 🙄

[@TreeLBollingTreeMan]

A true snow flake if ever.

[@stevenbrozynski5555]

LOL, the trauma of Gen Z.

[@Nicdangershouse.]

Wah wah wah....today's youth are a bunch of crybabies....stay home and stare at your phone all day in your safe space.

[@Gothgalactica]

I agree mostly with your sentiment, but this is legit a dangerous scenario and that’s not the fault of the concert goers either.

[@Tangerinetaco]

Yikes, let’s not repeat the Travis Scott concert tragedy. 👀

[@stephensaltau6481]

And what bands were there ?

[@thedoc9062]

Probably a bunch of unheard start up groups.

[@zcvxs]

What festival?

[@williamp1955]

Why not just leave !

[@mikecamps7226]

COVID BREEDER AND PUBLIC HEALTH....AND PROFITS

[@Eag757]

Don't go to crowded places said mom. Stay save, away from crowded places to prevent any hazard.

[@peglegtoo]

Solution. Mostly just make it easy and cheap (re: super over staff and lots of water only locations) for people to get water and sell a few less tickets anticipating that everyone will crowd the main stages.

[@wheelmanstan]

Please come to Boston for the Spring time.. I'm staying with some friends and they've got lots of room...

[@Paul1958R]

And cough up $400 for 3 days of this crap. Nope

[@wheelmanstan]

@@Paul1958R oh i just posted song lyrics, haha

[@TreeLBollingTreeMan]

Said the boy from Mountain City , TN

[@LilyGazou]

I’m the number one fan of the man from Tennessee, Dave Loggins. Your comment made me laugh so hard.

[@dananorth895]

That was a different time, different place. They don't evev make that kind of music anymore.

[@MrDavidrex]

Genuinely a generation of losers, totally a panic trigger mindset. Austin is doomed!

[@michaelleonard4826]

People always complaining about something. Next time stay home if you don't like crowds. Never had a problem at, Woodstock with half a million.

[@whomeye2168]

Imagine the stench! In crowds like that, there's always people who don't bathe, refuse to wear deodorant, and don't care! Obviously, putting the headliners at different locations may help to thin out the density issues. If you have the headliners at separate corners with lots of rest areas for tables/umbrellas, water refilling stations throughout and design the stage audience areas to prohibit closeness, these people density issues won't be as bad. Putting the headliners all in one spot... where does the bulk of the people go? Right there! Duh! Who planned this event? They are obviously only thinking in 2-D. They missed the reality of how people's minds work. Fire that dumbbell and get someone with a brain in there!

[@ayyyejesterdazed]

I stopped my job as a concert security guard because we don’t get paid or respected like first responders even though we are. I’m not risking my life for ungrateful attendants that don’t understand the company that’s in charge of your safety is not paying it’s employees adequately

[@spencerwilliams9101]

I still go to large live shows, but only if I can do VIP. I save up for that s*** Much love and respect fam

[@shakdizzle]

I'm never going to any concert. Ppl it's unsafe

[@dananorth895]

Not like they used to be in the 60's and 70's or even 80's, thats for sure.

[@itsonlyatail]

I don’t get it…wouldn’t you come prepared?

[@MrPhotodoc]

Ladies have a tough time at these event usually but this one seemed to be on steroids.

[@lesliepropheter5040]

After the Travis Scott concert disaster, you’d think that officials and their lawyers might have discussed this issue

[@13Liberty50]

there you go run with the herd

[@starrider4878]

But the stockholders have to get paid 🤪

[@Kristiannovak610]

If this had been a heavy metal festival it would have been much more organized and you wouldn't have had crap like this happening because metal festivals are more dedicated to their fans then they are about the greedy Festival promoters for festivals like this

[@IGtyi39AL78F56]

Dud i just like being in the way or being rude and having fun and feeling on people and sneezing and everyone else of the whole people crowd could care less and their no crowd control. Then next fights with the law and stampedes of bodies all over you on top of you. Plus i can't breathe and jam packed in certain clubs and bars and now concerts. Things are just getting worse and not to much fun like they used to be on going out. Plus crazy active shooters which makes worse. Plus crowd fights as well to.

[@scarygary-qq1pj]

COULDN'T care less. If someone COULD care less, it means they still care.🦤

[@jason-hy8ci]

There was some Bad Acid going around, and people were having some bad trips man.

[@askew9976]

Hozier takes you there. 😂

[@dananorth895]

Was it the brown acid man? I thought they got rid of that at Woodstock.

[@jrelevates1574]

I cannot imagine why people still attend these things.

[@scarygary-qq1pj]

Yes you can.

[@MicheleOtero]

To many people. Get security. Don't over sell tickets. . Danger ous no space. No water.. only about the money

[@timothygouldjr8384]

I went to the festival last year and I came all the way from California. I can confirm that the same thing happened last year where people were being carried out and overcrowding. It was also a nightmare due to the fact that it took forever to leave especially due to the crowds and the fact that there was a lack of MBTA buses

[@ericowensnyc]

THAT could of gone horribly wrong if it was a hip hop concert!!!! 🤷🏾‍♂️🤷🏾‍♂️🤷🏾‍♂️

[@helpis0ntheway]

Have....Could have. The conjunction is could've not could'of

[@ericowensnyc]

@@helpis0ntheway correct 😂

[@zzzz-sf5lr]

Irs called Greed!!! Remember that!

[@navybeans17]

The dumbest reason to die...smh...my introverted az cringe while watching this mess...

[@deletefundz]

Holy Smokes, that crowd size was smaller than a Trump Concert.

[@maddognogood8346]

Nevermind concert overcrowding, Boston is flat out overcrowded

[@gailgrant3209]

If you love Hosier drive somewhere great while cranking it, not standing, squished, too hot, can’t see with bad acoustics.

[@brewstercole77]

Nothing but a bunch of poor me's. all didn't have enough that didn't plan ahead because they were all too busy looking at their telephones high on all sorts of drugs like pretty much everyone around

[@dixonpinfold2582]

I'm surprised Mayor Wu hasn't suggested that segregating the event by race would make it safer. And just better.

[@kpoplovve775]

People are severely lacking common sense...that's wayyyyy too many ppl - you see it, you depart! Enjoy that luxury of comfort & safety by watching it on YT or IG. The stage space is the most comfortable and uncrowded area and the artists surely don't care enough (over the $$$).

[@kristinab1078]

Hmmm...never thought of an outdoor concert with multiple bands playing and thousands attending as a "safe space." The safety standards always seem sketchy to me...that's why I stay far away.

[@kyleb3754]

This is what happens when you take things away from the few rich and make them available to the average millions. "Inclusion", including monetary, is a damn joke.

[@sophia6955]

"Concerts and music are supposed to be a safe space for people" What is this chick talking about? That's never how music was. You go out and every guy is slimy it's dark you gotta watch your drink etc etc....that was always how life was.

[@carladaniell2561]

I drove from Georgia to see Meghan Thee Stallion and visit Boston for the first time. I thought the festival was safe and well organized. Thought Boston was beautiful and loved the people!

[@briandonahue3663]

Man this new generation is so Weak!! Its all about compalaning on social media!Iv been to Thousands of concerts never complained once!

[@ryanquint2045]

"Look, I myself want to be there to see the best bands...but there was just too many other people there" Got it thanks. And btw I was there on Sunday. It was no worse than alot of other venues and events. It was outdoors. You knew that. Camel backs were allowed. You KNEW it was going to be packed. Don't wait until you're dehydrated to go get in line for water. Bring head cover to keep the sun off of you. Free sunblock stations set up. Whole thing started at 1. Sun went down by 8. Light breezy day in the low to mid 80s. Jesus people. Do you not see shows outside? Stop blaming the event. They let in less people. Stands to reason that one of those people might be you. Be careful what you wish for. Or...ORRRR you could just plan for that at a major outdoor event. People were not dropping like flies. A few people did pass out likely from dehydration. Likely from day drinking all day as well. That's not the venues fault. Just my opinion but I don't think the venue did all that bad. It probably does need to go to a bigger site next year. But I don't think the venue itself let the crowd down logistically. I saw a decent amount of small kids there playing amongst the crowd late in the afternoon. Idk just boots on the ground talking here but personally I feel this is a non story. Aside from Megan thee Stallion bringing the house down. And C Roan. That's the story.

[@censorbleep3018]

Why do people pack into crowds like this? Nothing about it is appealing . . .

[@JeffSherlock]

Why were the supposed "Musicians".

[@buddyc2318]

lol just wondering how 400,000+ went to woodstock 99 with no crowd surges or panic, and it was even hotter out during that. And all the jumping up and down during songs. They were built different, y'all are soft these days. All you do is go online after to complain lmao.

[@samiami9990]

In this new frying pan heat we're experiencing globally, one has to wonder about sporting and music events held during summer and in the daytime.

[@pheddupp]

I guess none of these folks has ever been to Bourbon Street in New Orleans during Carnival Season or on Mardi Gras day for that matter. It's just as crowded but for multiple nights over two weeks.

[@marinamartinez6886]

Why i don't go anymore.

[@audioartisan]

And this is all to watch some ppl playing instruments on a stage. Hmmm...

[@philovance1940]

Never, ever would you find me in something like that.

[@Jean-v7r]

At what point do you start thinking this is getting crowded. Or are you not thinking about your own welfare.

[@johnevans1969]

Nothing new, it's hot man! Come on man! This is malarkey

[@zer0gravity184]

You noticed it's all women whining about this while knowing and understanding the conditions that come with this type of an event. Stay home if you're not prepared. Don't ruin it for everyone else.

[@marktwaine9344]

space alien buffet there I'll tell ya....😆

[@onazram1]

And let me guess, they didn't allow drinks in..

[@otmargreb6110]

Nightmare in real time on an endless loop! NOOOOO!

[@noneya6788]

They only care about the money, and not the customers/ fans.

[@Mike-v4c5l]

You go where you know is going to be a huge crowd, instead of leaving, you go on social media and cry, get a brain.

[@marlinweekley51]

You aren’t required to go to these mass events. 😳

[@venetia6296]

That’s what concerts are. Don’t mess that up, too.

[@tadroid3858]

Sounds like life in the city in general.

[@Gothgalactica]

Is this is in Texas? Or Boston as in Massachusetts?

[@kathyrogers2065]

When anyone is so concentrated on making money more than safety then those event planners need to never be used again.

[@terryken12]

People go to concerts where you can't even see the performers and pay a lot of money to get in, who is the idiot here? 🤣

[@Gfysimpletons]

Who cares. They chose to attend with no water……f em

[@wandaritter5704]

Shame on the people in charge

[@MrSeezero]

Just like Houston some years ago.

[@edspencer7121]

It had to have smelled like one big toilet!

[@blasphemertheseventh]

Imagine the smell. Gross.

[@Shineynsparkles]

Ummmmm no don’t go !!! It’s a money grab !!!

[@lukebogacik2793]

Horrible Planning,,,, Ridiculous 🙈

[@wolfgangKlinghluber]

Isnt that every real concert??

[@petemarron6677]

Yuck!