The Last Dinner Party Concert Controversy: Venue’s Door Policy Questioned

In a recent turn of events, The Last Dinner Party, a British band, expressed their disappointment following the enforcement of a security policy by The Engine Shed in Lincoln which fans have claimed discriminated against male attendees, particularly those attending alone. The incident occurred over the weekend when the band was slated to perform but ultimately had to cancel their show due to a band member’s illness.

Reports from audience members, including Kam Zaki, who traveled from Brighton specifically to attend the concert, reveal that male concertgoers were subjected to intensive security checks and questioning. Zaki recounted to BBC Newsbeat that the security staff searched him thoroughly, inspecting everything from his wallet to his shoes, and posed questions about his familiarity with the band.

Social media platforms have seen a proliferation of similar accounts from fans who were allegedly “interrogated” and made to feel uncomfortable by the line of questioning regarding their dedication to The Last Dinner Party. One user on X described the experience as feeling “like he was on Mastermind,” while others expressed feeling “sick” due to the perceived hostility of the security measures.

The Engine Shed, which is affiliated with The University of Lincoln, responded to the backlash by acknowledging that their policy change, which was made following reports of incidents at prior gigs, led to the unfortunate treatment of some attendees. The venue has apologized and initiated an investigation to ensure equitable treatment in the future.

The Last Dinner Party distanced themselves from the venue’s policy decisions, emphasizing that these measures were implemented independently of the band. “We are appalled and disappointed that anyone was made to feel otherwise,” stated the band, reiterating their commitment to inclusivity and a welcoming atmosphere at their performances.

The venue’s management has committed to conducting an external probe and improving staff training to prevent recurrence. This incident has prompted wider discussions about security policies and their impacts on concertgoers. It has also become clear that previous gig locations for the band, including cities like Glasgow and Manchester, did not report similar incidents according to local police forces.

Despite their efforts to reassure fans, the controversy appears to have lingering effects, with some, like Kam Zaki, seeking refunds due to their negative experiences. Following the canceled Lincoln performance, the band also had to call off a subsequent show in Cardiff, attributing it to illness.