I received the following message late last night. For background, Amplified is an ace crew/promoters/webzine supporting any sounds soulful - whether house, hip hop, or soul. Amplified has organised album launches for Spinna, Roy Ayers, Angie Stone and put on gigs for the The Roots, Cody Chestnutt, J Dilla and Hil St Soul... so you get the vibe of where they're coming from musically. Last sunday they organised an instore gig at Fopp in London, for Eric Roberson, soul singer. And this is what happened - and this is the untold story of promoting black music events in London, the most multiracial and tolerant city in the world. Be sure to check out the amplified crew, they really do some great stuff: www.amplified-online.co.uk
FOPP situation investigation & explanation
Once again we would liketo apologise to all who could not enter FOPP on Sunday for the Eric Roberson showcase. We have since concluded our investigation into the situation andmust categorically state how incredibly frustrated we were by the ill and disrespectful manner with which our clientele were handled by both Management and security, especially after having attending rock/pop events at the same venue where we witnessed ourselves twice the number of people being treated with far less restraint. Unfortunately this is an episode we feel we must file under 'civil rights situation', where individuals see people of colour in significant numbers and panic.
We had agreed with the venue that NO wrists bands were to be used for access to the performance, so as to enable fair entry to the event as is regular Amplified operating policy. This was re-confirmed twice before the event. Upon arrival at the venue, we were confronted with the spectacle of a queue for people without wristbands. We immediately took this up with FOPP Management and were met with arrogance and indifference. Due to a lack of communication between FOPP head office and venue staff, the latter had gone ahead and placed adverts stating the need for wrists bands on their website and in the day's press, even though this was explicitly in contrast to what had been arranged. We continued to protest while Store Management kept changing their minds and capacity remained unfilled. Amplified member JC came out to explain the situation to the crowd but each time he came back in, a different decision had been made by Management. The pulling down of the shutter was a moment that further underlined the ignorance we were dealing with. After protestations from ourselves, Dome Records, and Eric himself, the shutter was raised but no more access was given into the performance area, regardless of the space remaining.
Restricting the number of people allowed to see the performance, without explanation or acceptable reason, simply caused unnecessary frustration and angst to a very civilised and respectful crowd. As stated in our previous email a formal apology has been received from the individuals responsible and from FOPPManagement, but the fact remains that Management’s behaviour on the day was completely unacceptable and we can assure you that Amplified has and will continue to pursue this complaint to the highest level.
Meanwhile the venue has requested an opportunity to redeem themselves by asking us to host another event. Whilst we consider this offer and the thoughts and feelings of all who attended, we would like your feedback.
We at Amplified have the greatest respect for our clientele and are pleased to be the hosts of gatherings of beautiful, progressive people who – without exception - behave and conduct themselves in a way that inspires pride and contradicts stereotype.
Once again thank you for your support, understanding and patience as always.
Regards
JC / Zak / Bemi / Kobina / Ahmed / Samera
The Amplified Team
