📰 There Is an Elbow in My Mouth – Article : Dec. 1973
- Faces
- Dec 15, 1973
- 2 min read
A full‑page Melody Maker article investigating allegations of heavy‑handed crowd control at Faces concerts. Written as an immersive, first‑person report, the piece follows a Melody Maker journalist who temporarily joins the venue’s stewarding team to witness the treatment of fans firsthand.
Publication: Melody Maker
Date: December 15, 1973
Format: One‑page article
Writer: Melody Maker
A moment of rock‑era scrutiny, fan‑culture tension and on‑the‑ground music journalism.
📰 Key Highlights
• Investigative report into alleged mistreatment of Faces fans by stewards
• First‑person account placing the journalist inside the security team
• Focus on crowd behaviour, safety concerns and physical pressure at gigs
• Commentary on the intensity of early‑’70s rock‑concert environments
• A rare example of Melody Maker’s immersive, experiential reporting style
📰 Overview
This article captures the chaotic, high‑energy atmosphere surrounding Faces concerts in late 1973, where fan enthusiasm often collided with the realities of crowd control. By embedding himself among the stewards, the journalist provides a vivid, unfiltered look at the physicality, tension and occasional brutality of the live‑music experience.
📰 Source Details
Publication / Venue: Melody Maker
Date: December 15, 1973
Format: One‑page article
Provenance Notes: Based on the original Melody Maker feature investigating steward behaviour at Faces shows.
📰 The Story
The article highlights:
• Firsthand observations of crowd surges and physical strain
• The challenges faced by stewards managing densely packed audiences
• Allegations of excessive force and rough handling
• The contrast between fan excitement and behind‑the‑scenes tension
• A broader reflection on concert safety during the height of early‑’70s rock fandom
The tone is urgent, immersive and investigative — a journalist stepping directly into the fray to understand the realities behind the headline allegations.
📰 Visual Archive
📰 Closing Notes
A striking piece of 1970s music journalism, “There Is an Elbow in My Mouth…” stands as a vivid snapshot of the physical intensity of rock concerts and the growing scrutiny of crowd‑management practices.
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