Couple 'traumatised' at Duran Duran gig after brawl breaks out just minutes in
A couple say they were traumatised and left a Duran Duran concert after just a few songs after a "brawl".
Robert Motley, 58, his wife and two grown-up daughters say their trip to the AO Arena in Manchester on Saturday was ruined after two men got in a fight as the concert kicked off, describing the scene as a "wrestling match."
Robert, who travelled from Lytham St Anne’s, Lancashire, also claims there was a lack of security, but the venue say the incident was dealt with "swiftly", apologising to anyone whose night was spoiled by the dispute.
The dad, who has asked for a refund, said: “There was a couple sat in front of us, they were in their 50s, having a good time, taking selfies before Duran Duran came on.
A family left a Duran Duran gig after only a few songs after a fight broke out (NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)"A couple of rows in front of him was a younger lad, he got up [once the band came on-stage].
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“The older guy shouted at him to sit down and he did. Then he did it again and there was an obscene exchange. After the third time, they started to brawl."
Going on, Robert told Manchester Evening News: “The old fella went from zero to 100. I think the younger guy was goading him, but the older guy was wanting to cause trouble.”
Simon Le Bon of Duran Duran (Getty Images)The concert-goer said the scene resembled a "wrestling match", describing how it occurred over two rows of seating, and the culprits were trying to throw punches, while grabbing each other's arms to stop the other.
Robert described the language as appalling and recalled shielding his wife.
One of his daughters decided to look for a security guard but had to go to the foyer area, as security had left the section, after people had found their seats.
Robert says the incident traumatised himself and his wife, so they decided to leave just ten minutes after the brawl, only hearing a few songs.
“There was an atmosphere. Once some thinking like that happens, you are hyper-aware of it," he explained.
AO Arena has apologised for anyone whose night was spoiled (Google Maps)A spokesperson for the AO Arena told Manchester Evening News they received one report of a ‘customer behaviour’ incident, and apologised to Robert and his family.
A statement read: “We received one report of an isolated, customer behaviour related incident.
“This was dealt with swiftly by our security team who provided immediate assistance and advice. We extend our apologies to anyone whose night was spoiled due to the behaviour of another guest.”
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Duran Duran, fronted by Simon Le Bon, are currently on tour in the UK, before heading to America for the summer. The band are known for hits such as Hungry Like the Wolf, Rio and Save a Prayer.
They have sold more than a 100 million records.
The Mirror has contacted AO Arena.
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