Chicago’s Congress Theater Permanently Bans EDM Concerts

Once-renowned Chicagoan staple Congress Theater has banned EDM concerts from their venue. Permanently.

Many think this is a good move, considering how the last several EDM shows have gone so horribly wrong for the venue. According to Consequence of Sound, Congress Theater lost their liquor license in May 2013 after a slew of violations involving drugs, fights, and even rape occurred during such concerts. In fact, Congress Theater is just now opening its doors since losing said license, with the city of Chicago enforcing the ban in order for them to have it restored.

For the record, Chicago cites EDM music as “created by a DJ or multiple DJs primarily using specialized equipment and software instead of traditional instruments.” Performers that incorporate electronic synthesizers or beats into their music will still be allowed so long as they are active with the audience in a traditional manner as well, singing and/or playing an instrument at the same time.

Local Chicagoan liquor commissioner Gregory Steadman thinks this move is one in the right direction, reflecting the “rising level of concern about these events and whether or not they’re safe.”

Given the recent fight which resulted in a lost fingertip during a recent Jay Z and Beyoncé show, as well as the 20 ne’er-do-wells just arrested over the course of a single Luke Bryan concert, EDM may not necessarily be so much the problem as peoples’ general behavior during these events is. With that said, EDM shows, where DJs are largely uninvolved with the stage and the crowd is set into a dark room full of vibrant, flashing lights and tremendously loud sounds, it isn’t hard to believe that basic concert crimes are more likely to escalate during such an event.

What do you think of the ban? Is it justified? Let us know.

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