Scala and Face Down club night outline new security measures after Wargasm incident
Wargasm frontman Sam Matlock alleged three bouncers assaulted him and held his head down a toilet after a gig earlier this month
Scala nightclub and monthly rock night Face Down have outlined new security measures after Wargasm frontman Sam Matlock was allegedly assaulted by bouncers after a gig.
The upcoming group had played a set on November 5 before a bouncer was allegedly “verbally aggressive” towards the band’s female tour manager, prompting Matlock to “step in”.
In a statement posted to the band’s Twitter, they wrote: “After this, in a completely overzealous and unnecessary use of force, three bouncers then dragged Sam into the backstage toilets, where two of them slammed his head against the toilet seat and held his head in the toilet bowl while the third bouncer held the door closed with his foot.
“At this point, luckily, another member of our touring party was able to intervene and remove Sam from the situation.”
They also shared a picture of Matlock’s injuries, where red marks and scratches could be seen across his back, shoulders and arm.
Scala addressed the incident on Twitter and said they were “conducting a full scale investigation” with security provider, Saber Security.
Face Down also responded in a statement on Instagram that extended “sincere apologies” to Wargasm.
Now the club night has issued a final statement on the incident and shared details of new security measures for future events.
“Over the last week, we have had intense one to one meetings with Scala,” the statement read. “The easiest thing for both sides to do would be to walk away, but we decided it is only right to address these issues head on and forge forward with positive change.
“The three security involved have been fired but there’s more that needed to be done. Here’s what is going to happen in the future.”
The statement then outlined new measures which included: “A dedicated backstage security team”; “a safe space for women and people suffering with anxiety or stress in the venue”; and “Ask for Angela at all bars”, which refers to a safety campaign set up to help women who feel unsafe in bars and clubs.
NME reported that Saber security responded to allegations saying they had “suspended the services of the security operatives concerned, pending a full and thorough investigation.”
Wargasm responded in their own statement last Thursday (November 11) following the news that the three bouncers had been fired. “We hope this serves as a reminder to all other security and staff in positions of power that there are rules to be followed for people’s safety, and that actions have consequences,” they wrote. “Thanks to all those who came forward with their own experiences. You ensured this issue did not disappear silently.”