Police issue caution to Korn fans: Smart watches may confuse mosh pits with emergencies, leading to accidental calls

ays. Sometimes, bands will even get fans to split into two groups and run at each other in what is known as a “Wall of Death.”

“All those calls had to be assessed, with three outbound call attempts completed to ensure there is no threat, risk or harm, taking our contact handlers away from answering true emergency calls.”

Download’s 2023 incarnation was stacked with Metallica, Bring Me The Horizon, Slipknot, Disturbed and Evanescence, just to name a few.

As such, it would make sense that police don’t want a repeat of previous years, but the festival itself hasn’t prohibited smart watches, as they’re not listed among the items fans aren’t allowed to bring to the event.

Mosh pits are a common sight at rock and metal concerts, filled with passionate fans who enjoy the energetic atmosphere these events provide. The upcoming Download Festival, scheduled from June 13-15 in Leicestershire, England, is no exception, boasting a lineup that includes renowned acts like Green Day, Sleep Token, and nu metal legends Korn, alongside other heavy hitters such as Poppy, Bullet For My Valentine, Meshuggah, Currents, and Opeth.

While the anticipation for bands like Korn to ignite large mosh pits runs high, local police are cautioning concert-goers against wearing smart watches to these events due to an alarming trend. Reports from the Leicestershire Police reveal a significant increase in emergency calls, nearly 700 additional 999 calls, during previous festival weekends.

Explaining the situation in a social media post, the police stated that smart watches frequently misinterpret the energetic movements of mosh pits as collisions, leading to unintentional emergency calls that strain their resources. Mosh pits are a regular feature at metal and rock shows, involving fans colliding with each other in a dance of music-fueled adrenaline. In some cases, bands even prompt fans to split into opposing groups and charge at each other, a display known as a “Wall of Death.”

The aftermath of these mistaken emergency calls is significant, as each one necessitates thorough evaluation and follow-up attempts to ensure no genuine emergencies are overlooked, diverting precious resources from authentic life-threatening situations.

During the previous iteration of Download Festival in 2023, which featured Metallica, Bring Me The Horizon, Slipknot, Disturbed, and Evanescence, the surge in emergency calls was a cause for concern. Consequently, to prevent a recurrence of such incidents, law enforcement agents are reinforcing the message to avoid smart watches at festivals. Although the organizers of the event have not explicitly banned smart watches, they are not included on the list of prohibited items for attendees.

In conclusion, the excitement surrounding iconic bands and the electric atmosphere of mosh pits contribute to the allure of music festivals like Download. However, concert-goers must heed the advice of authorities to avoid unintentional emergency calls and ensure the safety and enjoyment of all attendees.