PNC Center Tweaks Concert Lineup

Officials with PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, N.J., announced they will limit booking festival-style shows such as Ozzfest or Warped tours to further crack down on underage drinking – behavior that sent some concertgoers to the hospital and contributed to two deaths last summer.

State Assemblywoman Amy Handlin, reps from Live Nation and the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (which owns the shed), and state police made the decision during a March 18th public forum held at Holmdel High School, according to the Holmdel Independent.

Kevin Morrow, president of Live Nation New York, told the audience the decision may lose the company some money, but it’s important to the community.

"I have never had someone die at one of my shows," Morrow was quoted as saying. "So, we decided to remove shows like Ozzfest, the Mayhem Tour and Warped Tour.

"We need to teach kids that getting out of control in the parking lot is not cool. We’ve tried to get some of the more sober musicians to do public service announcements, but they don’t want to be the poster child for it."

New Jersey police captain Kevin Burke also told the audience that his department would monitor the concerts with video from live feeds relayed to their command post, the Independent said.

PNC Center officials launched a well-publicized crackdown on underage drinking at the 17,500-capacity venue in response to minors caught drinking at a Gwen Stefani concert in May.

Despite the increased presence of uniformed and plainclothes officers at the Live Nation-run venue, alcohol-related arrests continued at concerts including Incubus, O.A.R. and WKTU Beatstock, reportedly numbering 273 in August alone.

NJTA officials ordered a complete ban on alcohol in the parking lot following the two deaths and 83 arrests during the Ozzfest tour stop.

Live Nation continues to work with the NJTA and law enforcement to maintain strict protocols inside and outside the venue regarding alcohol sales.