Pioneer line: Speedy Ortiz start “help hotline” for fans who feel unsafe at their shows

Gig-goers can report harassment or intolerance to the band by text.

8th September 2015

Speedy Ortiz have started up a “help hotline” for fans who feel unsafe at their shows. The new system aims to tackle intolerance and harassment by giving gig-goers a direct line to the band, who can alert security quickly to the issue. “As a performer I’ve always have an easier time getting security’s ear,” wrote the band’s Sadie Dupuis, speaking about the new hotline on Twitter. “I’m hoping we can leverage our privilege as performers to help keep our friends in the crowd safer.”

If you are being harassed at a Speedy Ortiz show, or feel unsafe and need help, text us directly: (574) 404-SAFE. https://t.co/ETCihzN9FU
— sadie dupuis (@sad13) September 7, 2015

"We want to play shows that are built upon community, support, and mutual respect," said Speedy Ortiz on a new flyer they put out about the hotline. "Together we can make shows safer and more inclusive for a wider community." Though Dupuis says "we'll see how it goes," of the new system, she is also hopeful that if successful, other bands will implement their own.

and if this hotline help system does seem to work, we hope other bands will set them up too. hint hint ;)
— sadie dupuis (@sad13) September 7, 2015

Speedy Ortiz's tour kicks off in Ohio tonight. The band play the following dates. Listen to 'Raising the Skate' below.

SEP
08 Columbus, OH - Double Happiness
09 Kalamazoo, MI - Bell's Back Room *
10 Champaign, IL - Institute 4 Creativity *
11 Chicago, IL - Riot Fest
13 Chicago, IL - Bottom Lounge ^
14 Cincinnati, OH - MOTR Pub
23 Philadelphia, PA - Underground Arts $
24 Brooklyn, NY - Brooklyn Bowl $
25 Portland, ME - State Theater $
27 Washington, DC - Rock & Roll Hotel $

OCT
05 Berlin, Germany - Comet %
06 Hamburg, Germany - Golem %
07 Cologne, Germany - Blue Shell %
09 Turin, Italy - Spazzio 211 %
10 Bologna, Italy - Covo Club %
13 Düdingen, Switzerland - Bad Bonn %
15 Brighton, England - The Haunt %
16 Manchester, England - Sound Control %
17 Dublin, Ireland - Whelan's %
18 Leeds, England - Brudenell Social Club %
21 London, England - Tufnell Park Dome %
22 Glasgow, Scotland - Stereo %
23 Birmingham, England - All Years Leaving
26 Brussels, Belgium - Le Botanique %
28 Nijmegen, Netherlands - Merleyn %
29 Amsterdam, Netherlands - Bitterzoet @
30 Lille, France - La Péniche
31 Nantes, France - Soy Festival