Security Costs at Artists' Concerts: Post Ivanovo Emergency, Nadezhda Kadisheva Alters Raider's Responsibility

Spotlight on Star Security: Ensuring Safety at Pop Concerts

Snapped by GLOBAL LOOK PRESS

With fans clamoring for a closer look, renowned performers have taken their safety measures up a notch. Since summer, stars like Hope Kadysheva and her ensemble "Golden Ring" have been gracing big stages, but with one important change — security has become a priority. Let's explore how these performances are being carefully managed behind the scenes.

The Need for Security

Today's big-time artists no longer shy away from investing in their personal safety, and concert organizers are following suit. From Moscow to major cities, weekly concerts demand stringent security precautions. We quizzed a few major organizers to get their take on the cost of maintaining such security. The price for ensuring safety at a pop star's solo concert in Moscow can range from 300,000 to 600,000 rubles, depending on the scale of the venue and tasks at hand. Organizers often work with private security companies that partner with the chosen concert venues, ensuring both parties prioritize safety. Prices in the regions? You guessed it — noticeably lower.

We picked the brains of Sergey Novikov, the General Director of Live Division Concert Agency, overseeing numerous large-scale concerts in Moscow, including those by Vladimir Kuzmin, Hibla Gerzmava, Dmitry Malikov, Nikolai Noskov, Daniil Kramer, and "Moralnyi Kodeks".

Protecting Stars and Audience: Who's Responsible?

After a fan managed to get up close and personal with Hope Kadysheva following her concert in Ivanovo, we questioned whether such episodes could happen in Moscow. Novikov explains, "It's challenging to envision such incidents at Moscow concerts. However, security personnel's level of preparation and motivation plays a crucial role." In Moscow and large cities, well-known concert venues often rely on professional private security teams. Given potential consequences for both artists, organizers, and venues, inexperienced security guards or inadequate briefings are likely the culprits in regional mishaps.

So, what role does an organizer like Novikov play in ensuring artist safety? "Our primary responsibility is to meticulously fulfill the artist's rider, an essential part of the concert contract. Should any unforeseen situations occur, we bear both financial and reputational responsibility to the artist. To minimize risks, we hold operational meetings with heads of private security companies and discuss potential issues and necessary actions for security teams during emergencies."

Guarding the Stage

Almost all famous artists require stringent security, particularly for backstage areas and the stage. This is a standard practice to ensure the safety and privacy of the artist and their team, equipment, and personal belongings. While away from the stage, these stars may require a dedicated security team to safeguard their dressing rooms, the stage entrance, and the perimeter.

During the actual performance, security's role shifts towards ensuring audience safety, checking for prohibited items, managing crowd capacities, and maintaining clear evacuation routes in case of emergencies.

Tested Teams and Costs

With years of experience in the industry, Novikov and his team rely on tested, professional private security firms for concert safety in Moscow and major cities. But, as professionals come at a premium, penny-pinching in this aspect can lead to unintended repercussions for the artist and organizer alike.

What's Behind the Curtain?

Typically, artist riders feature a dedicated section on concert security, covering everything in a straightforward manner for big-name artists. For instance, Anna Asti and her team require at least ten security personnel during their tour. Access to the stage itself is restricted during soundchecks, allowing only the artist's team and essential staff.

With larger city stage concerts, the number of security personnel increases, often reaching 70 people. Artists like Stas Mikhailov, Lyudmila Chebotina, Klava Koka, and others make similar demands for event organizers, expecting adequate security around their dressing rooms, backstage areas, and the stage. Furthermore, they outline specific rules on audience interaction, such as limiting close encounters with the stage or controlling the order of flower deliveries. Some stars, like Stas Mikhailov, Grigory Leps, Philipp Kirkorov, and others, maintain personal security teams. However, others, such as Valeria, Sergei Lazarev, and others, hire personal security as required for specific events.

In regional concerts, artists ask for security personnel to accompany them from the airport to the hotel. This requirement is often stipulated in the rider. For instance, the rider for Hope Kadysheva did not initially specify any security measures before the Ivanovo incident. However, given her growing recognition and forthcoming national tour on large stages, a security point has since been included in her rider.

Ensuring Public Safety: A Shared Responsibility

While every artist may not request security, organizers are still accountable for maintaining the safety and order of the audience at the event. All concerts must be conducted in accordance with approved protocols for ensuring public order and public safety during mass events, enforced by the Russian government. Venues also maintain "security passports" that detail safety regulations.

Next up, Dmitry Malikov is set to give a jubilee concert in Moscow called "Summer VIBE - 55" on June 26 at the Green Theater of VDNKh. Organizers will offer additional details about the artist and audience interaction before the concert. Concert hall websites in Moscow advise visitors to arrive early, with State Kremlin Palace admitting spectators one hour and 45 minutes before concerts, emphasizing that visitors may be subject to thorough screenings and scanning of personal belongings. The Live Arena prohibits carrying any liquids or potentially dangerous items, allowing storage lockers for such items, a common practice in other halls.

A Few Extra Bits

Concertgoers in Russia may require an ID, residence permit, and labor permit for attending public gatherings after recent security incidents. Venues often use advanced surveillance systems and employ trained personnel for crowd management. In some cases, authorities restrict mobile internet access during large events to prevent misinformation and ensure public safety[2][3].

With increased vigilance after tragic incidents like the attack on a concert hall near Moscow, authorities have implemented heightened security measures for major events like the Victory Day parade[2][3][4].

In response to the increasing popularity of concerts by celebrities like Hope Kadysheva and her ensemble "Golden Ring", concert organizers in major cities like Moscow are focusing on protecting both stars and the audience.
For large-scale concerts, security can cost anywhere from 300,000 to 600,000 rubles, with organizers often partnering with private security companies to ensure safety.
Notable concert organizer, Sergey Novikov, emphasizes the importance of experienced security teams, stating that inexperienced guards or inadequate briefings could lead to mishaps, as seen in regional incidents.
Backstage areas and the stage are critical zones requiring stringent security to protect artists, their teams, equipment, and personal belongings. During performances, security teams focus on audience safety, checking for prohibited items, managing crowd capacities, and maintaining clear evacuation routes.