December 18, 2001 11:26

THE FIGHT CLUB!

Doormen wrestle the group off the stage and fight with fans desperate to keep the band on...

Rising rock 'n' roll punks THE PARKINSONS saw their show at LONDON's CARGO CLUB end in near riot last night (December 17) after the venue's doormen wrestled them off the stage and fought with fans desperate to keep the band on.

Trouble flared shortly after the four-piece took to the stage at around 10.30pm (GMT). The band were unhappy at the sound in the venue and made their displeasure known smashing instruments and equipment. When they smashed a microphone, owned like all the PA equipment by the venue, several bouncers moved onto the stage. They attempted to stop the band during the second song and move them off but were pelted with bottles and spit by dozens of irritated fans. According to The Parkinsons manager, David Barnett, hordes of fans then rushed the stage enraged at the band's treatment.

"The show started at half ten and was over by 10.40," he said. "We got out of there as quick as we could. We crowd were chanting 'Parkinsons, Parkinsons' as we left." Trouble spilled out onto the street, though there are no reports of any arrests or major disturbances.

Parkinsons have been working on their debut album, with former Jesus And Mary Chain singer Jim Reid producing. It is due for release through Fierce Panda in February.