The term watering hole unfortunately took on a new meaning last night.
Boston metal band Unearth was only part way through their second song on Wednesday night when an overzealous fan grabbed onto an overhead pipe and ruptured the sprinkler system, sending fans to the exits early at The Queens in downtown Barrie.
The band continued for a few moments before it was realized the night was lost. With help from fans and their road crew, band members hastily packed up their instruments to avoid any damage and headed for higher ground.
The incident happened at 10:13 p.m., Oct. 18. Barrie firefighters were soon on scene to deal with the soggy situation.
“There was significant water leakage out of the sprinkler system," said Barrie Deputy Fire Chief Carrie Clark, who was among those who responded to the call.
“The quick action of the Queens management group was able to get the water shut down fairly quickly," she added. "However, the business had to be closed to clean up and ensure safety of the building.”
When reached for comment this morning by BarrieToday, Queens Hotel owner said Chris Gerrard: "We are happy to host the music scene and one bad apple doesn't spoil our scene. The bands and customers were amazing and handled the situation with class and complete professionalism. (We) will continue to provide top-notch entertainment for Barrie."
Gerrard also commented on next steps.
"We have repaired the damage and will be open for tonight's show. It's that old saying, the show must go on," he said.
The Queens Nightclub is a historic venue in downtown Barrie, dating back well over 100 years.
Also on the bill Wednesday night with Unearth were Revocation, Entheos, High Command and Dead Beyond Fear.
“I guess it was a good band and the crowd just got a little exuberant," Clark said. "The people on the street seemed really upset that they didn’t finish the show."
Promoter Gillian Dorella-Scott, who has put on numerous shows at The Queens over the years, posted on Facebook about the incident.
"Our amazing music scene had a hard hit to our venue and touring bands' gear tonight," she wrote. "Being with friends after the show made me smile, but I’m so gutted about everything that happened tonight.
"I’m sorry to everyone who played and to the real scene that came out tonight. Our bosses are working so hard to make it that we will be up and running. Thankful for them all," Dorella-Scott added.
Barrie police communications co-ordinator Peter Leon said a patron called 911 at 10:22 p.m. to report the incident, but no charges have been laid. He said it's unlikely that the situation meets the threshold of a criminal act.
