Key Club Commotion

A punk show at the Key Club in West Hollywood, Calif., hit a combative note Jan. 6 when a crowd of concertgoers began throwing bottles and rocks at police outside the venue after a concert was ended early.

Los Angeles County deputies were reportedly called to the scene to arrest a group of men that began fighting with venue security when they were asked to leave. Management pulled the plug on the show, which featured acts including Youth Brigade and T.S.O.L., soon after.

But as hundreds of patrons exited the building, things got even more disruptive outside the Key Club.

Sheriff’s Capt. Kelley Fraser said many in the crowd simply refused to move along and others began “verbally taunting deputies as they walked out, giving various finger signs.”

Authorities estimated that between 50 and 100 people were involved in the attacks, during which concertgoers hurled debris at riot-helmeted deputies who responded by spraying Mace at the crowd.

“Key Club would like to sincerely apologize to the city of West Hollywood & our incredibly loyal fan-base for the unfortunate events that occurred last night,” the venue said in a statement. “We work hard every day to provide a safe & enjoyable concert experience for all of our patrons.”