Watch out for the umbrella, fella, hell... arrrgh

In a move not seen since Stand And Deliver Antpeople were stopped from taking duelling pistols into Adam And The Ants gigs, security is cracking down on people turning up with umbrellas to watch Rhianna:

Security guard Andy McDonald, said: "We don’t normally ask people to leave an umbrella outside. But we were taking precautions over a potential accident.

"We were told that Rihanna’s song features dancing with umbrellas on stage. We didn’t want the crowd following her actions and someone getting their eye poked out."

Now, this has, of course, been dressed up as a 'health and safety gone mad' story by the Daily Star:

A fan told the Daily Star: "I always carry an umbrella with me as the weather is dodgy and snow was predicted to fall.

"I couldn’t believe it when I had mine taken off me during a bag search on my way inside the venue."

But, to be honest, we're more surprised that venues are normally okay with people turning up to watch bands and taking their brollies into the auditorium. Surely, if ever there was an object which you don't need during the set, it'd be an umbrella?

Okay, with the possible exception of the Liverpool venue which, prior to a building upgrade, did have a problem with maggots growing in the pigeon carcasses on the abandoned top floor sometimes dropping through the ceiling onto people enjoying themselves. You might need an umbrella then.

[Thanks again to the tireless James P for the link]