Don O’Neill: Kenny Chesney concert-goers more rowdy than Metallica fans

Don O’Neill has seen more violence at a Kenny Chesney concert than a Metallica show.

The KIRO Radio host went to a show in Michigan where he saw tailgating fans go way over their alcohol limit.

“I’ve been to Metallica and AC/DC shows that were much more peaceful,” he said.

Chesney fans like to tailgate, Don explained. That means drinking well before a concert begins.

It also might help explain the deadly beating that occurred after the Chesney concert Saturday in Seattle’s International District. According to Seattle police, witnesses reported two men fighting near Fifth Avenue and South Weller Street at approximately 9 p.m. One of the men died from a head wound.

An employee of First & Goal, who asked to remain anonymous, wrote to Don that it was one of the worst events the employee had worked at CenturyLink Field & Event Center. The amount of alcohol served was “out of control” and people were buying four to five beers at a time.

“Maybe First & Goal just didn’t understand the type of crowd that was going to show up and how sauced they were going to be,” Don said during a conversation with Seattle Police Sergeant Sean Whitcomb.

Over-service tends to be a problem at big events, Whitcomb explained. It usually occurs during sporting events, but can happen anywhere, he said.

“I don’t know if alcohol consumption is a factor in this investigation, but … I can definitely agree with the remarks sent to you,” he added.