‘Small number’ of audience members fainted

Angry Robert Plant fans complained of overcrowding after some members of the audience collapsed at a Midland gig .

Officials confirmed a “small number” of people fainted due to the heat during the West Bromwich-born Led Zeppelin frontman’s performance at Wolverhampton Civic Hall on Monday night.

The city council said ventilation and heating improvements were planned at the 80-year-old venue.

Fan Scott Campbell paid more than £50 for his ticket but gave up and went home after finding himself unable to get inside the main hall.

“In the first 20 minutes I saw six or seven people being carried out of the hall after collapsing,” he told the Express and Star.

“I go to a lot of concerts but I had never seen anything like it.

“There was a large team of St John Ambulance people who were all kept busy.

“We tried the balcony but the only place to stand was behind a big pillar which blocked our view.

“We left after half-an-hour because we couldn’t see anything.”

Mr Campbell went on: “There were a lot of people in their 60s in the audience – the conditions can’t have been good for them.

“I asked to see a manager because if there was a fire and you were in the middle of the hall, there would be no way of getting out.

“She said the fire doors would be opened but it looked to me as if they were already open.

“I’ve seen Robert Plant before but I was looking forward to seeing him on his home turf.

“I’ve not been to the Civic for a gig before and I don’t think I’d go again after that experience.”

A City of Wolverhampton Council spokesman said: “The Robert Plant gig at the Civic Hall was a sell-out and the venue was at capacity for this music legend.

“Just under 3,000 people attended.

“Unfortunately, as sometimes happens at busy, crowded indoor gigs, there was a small number of people who fainted due to the heat.

“St John Ambulance were on hand to provide first aid to anyone who required attention.

“While the Civic Hall meets the required health and safety standards, it is an 80-year-old building and improvements to the ventilation and heating system are part of the planned refurbishment scheme.”