Loud Fest NJ Interrupted By Fight, Security Injured

Security officers were injured during a fight at the Loud Fest 2017 event at the GameChangerWorld nightclub in Howell, N.J., according to police, forcing the early cancellation of the show.  

– GameChangerWorld
via Howell Township Police Department

“Due to an altercation between a private contracted security officer and a few concert goers, Howell Township Police cancelled the remainder of tonight’s scheduled show,” a statement from GameChangerWorld and promoter Diamond Concerts read. 

Police reported responding to the venue to assist a Freehold Township Police Officer working off-duty security at the Nov. 4 event, which included punk and hardcore acts such as Sharptooth, Despised Icon, Knocked Loose, Internal Bleeding, On Broken Wings, and more.

“As Howell patrol units arrived, they discovered several security guards and attendees were injured as a result of an assault. Medical assistance was then requested. The alleged assaulters had apparently fled,” the Howell Police Department said in a statement. 

Security escorted an apparently aggressive mosher out of the building when police say the attack happened.

“This male was uncooperative so the four security guards escorted him out the doors onto the side of the building. At this time, one of the guards was punched in the face and multiple unknown subjects joined in and began fighting the guards. They were repeatedly punched and kicked. One guard was able to break free and called 911.”

Police reported injuries to security guards including “Loss of teeth, lip and eye injury. Loss of consciousness, contusion above the ear, rib pain, dizziness, headache, nauseous. Abrasions, contusion on back of head, facial contusion, blurry vision, right eye injury.

“Each of these subjects were transported to the hospital by Howell Police EMS and Howell First Aid and Rescue Squad,” the statement continued.

Police request any additional information and said the investigation is ongoing.

The 600-capacity venue has hosted acts including Pouya, As It Is, As Lions, Zac Eisenstein, Miss May I, and others This year.  The venue has hosted Loud Fests in 2015 and 2016 with acts including The Acacia Strain and Blessthefall. 

null – Loud Fest 2017
poster

“GameChangerWorld has never had any problems with any of our crowds over the 4 years we have been in Howell and tonight’s incident with our security contractor will be reviewed and addressed so future incidents are avoided,” the venue’s statement continued.

“We appreciate the fans and artist support. GameChangerWorld management is cooperating with Howell Police as they investigate the incident between the security officer and the entire situation.

“We also appreciate the fans for their cooperation and despite negative comments surrounding the incident, you all pulled together and evacuated the premises. This is not something that typically happens so thank you all for your patience throughout the night.”

Fans on the event’s Facebook page were requesting refunds, with some saying the show was ended before they arrived.

Pollstar reached out to the venue, owned by New Jersey promoter John D’Esposito, for further comment but had not heard back at press time.