Even though doors were at 9, we figured getting to Roseland by 10/10:30 would still leave us enough time to get in, get our coats checked, and post up. We couldn't have been more incorrect.
The fire marshall came to shut Rosland down around 11:30. So after waiting on line for an hour or so, and missing most of Joachim's opening set, we were told that our nearly $100 tickets were now useless and we would have to search elsewhere for NYE entertainment. Clearly, this wasn't a good enough answer for my friends and I, so we decided to make our way to the venue's back entrance on 53rd street and schmooze some police officers to let us speak to security. Our group totaled 8 if I remember correctly, and considering none of us had VIP, and we were standing in the VIP/back entrance, all eight of us got in in three separate shifts between about 11:55 and 12:20.
My friend and I were lucky enough to be the first couple in, and made it in for the end of One, which Steve Angello dropped at midnight. He was great, playing everything you'd expect him to play. The LED and light show were awesome, the lighting trusses continued from above the stage down the ceiling the entire length of the venue which gave an awesome effect.
While we were all in the heat of the moment having an awesome night, around 2:30 am, someone apparently dropped or threw a glass carafe from the mezzanine VIP area down to the main floor, which, despite all odds struck in me in the head, splitting the skin. After a few moments of utter confusion, blood was pouring out and people were beginning to stare, so we immediately ran to the bathroom and got me cleaned up. Once security began to notice and scream for the EMT's my friend and I decided to leave and clean up the situation at home and from there decide if a hospital visit was necessary. We did so, the bleeding stopped, and at some point the next afternoon we decided that to ease both of our minds we'd go to the hospital. Long story short, I needed 3 stitched and a tetanus shot, but nothing major.
I have to say I'm pretty upset with both scenarios for a venue which I usually otherwise love -and would actually venture to say is among my favorite. 2 hours or more waiting outside, complete denial because the event was oversold, and early ending to boot because some idiot was throwing bottles from the mezzanine into the main crowd - not a good look Roseland, clean up your act. Don't get me wrong, I had fun for the time I was there. The crowd was great, there was a ton of room - the sound system and lighting effects were awesome - and honestly, except for the line at the door, all other lines moved quickly and the staff was helpful. I'm not sure if the over-sold issue is the responsibility of Area Events or Roseland Ballroom - some situations could have been helped, some could not - it's just a shame that people can be so stupid.
Anywho, here's a video of the countdown so you can view the insanity.
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