Bottling

Bottling plant

Okay so today’s title is a tad misleading… I am not here to discuss the matter of “bottling” as in placing drinks or other liquids in a bottle as D&G or Wray & Nephew does. I actually would like to address the situation as per Ellie’s definition of “bottling” as in “flinging a bottle at someone, namely, an entertainer, comedian, performer”…basically somebody you paid to see perform.

Now, people, this idea or act of “bottling” is not a new concept to the Jamaican people. As a matter of fact, from as far back as 2002, I think (or even earlier than that), performers have been “bottled” by dissatisfied audiences. Even veteran artistes, (Frankie Paul comes to mind) are not immune to having bottles hurled at them. Whether it is a Sting reggae show, Elephant N friends or Xmas Extravaganza; from Jamworld in Portmore to Pier One Montego Bay to Black River, St. Elizabeth, Jamaicans are some SERIOUS bottle flingers! By the way, there are some who, not having bottles to throw, are quite resourceful and use stones instead. Of course, I cannot tell you which of the two inflicts more pain.

Once bottles start to fly pandemonium follows. MCs sometimes have to take cover behind speaker boxes; artistes have to run off stage; members of the audience scatter in all directions - sometimes leaving their shoes behind just to “escape” the bottles being thrown. No, Ellie does NOT go to such events however, based on some eyewitness accounts being at the venue on such an occasion is extremely hazardous:

“Blow-wow Junie, a whe’ yuh did dey when dem start fling di bakkle dem?”

“Mi did beside di chain link fence ‘cause mi just did get something fi drink and by di time mi look a pure bakkle a sail over mi head”

“Yuh lucky say a over yuh head it go! One did lick Precious inna har head back, mi tink it did burst!”

“By di time me a look fi mi baby father fi say come mek we leave a just one whole heap a people a run all ‘bout and a shove mi, mi haffi cuss too claawt and tell dem no push me. But missis, me gold slippaz strap dem pop out me had was fi walk barefoot come down!”

“Gyal, di people dem all tear down the chain link fence to rahtid!”

Just visualize the scenario…chaos…just like a cattle stampede!! My goodness! I can see some of those on the heftier side of life drop off their heels and hightail it out of the venue just like their skinny counterparts!

Anyway, it seems to me that in recent years the promoters etc have tried to cut down on the bottle throwing incidents through the introduction of certain measures. Therefore, I rarely if ever hear of any “bottling” going on nowadays.

Imagine my utter shock when I realize that now, in 2013, the “bottling” business has moved overseas with the recent “bottling” of my beloved Grammy award winning Toots Hibbert (he of Toots and the Maytals fame) during a music festival in Richmond, Virginia, U.S.A!

My big question is WHO would do such a thing? Okay we already know it’s a 19 year old punk kid. Is he of Jamaican heritage? WHO taught him about bottling??!!!!

Poor Toots was hit in the head and had to seek medical attention. How di dickance yuh can a fling bakkle and hit a 70 year old man?!!! Suppose he died? From today’s dailies I gather that Toots has now filed a multi-million dollars lawsuit against the perpetrator. Serves him right! Toots had to cancel his tour and imagine all the folks who were hoping to see this legendary singer perform! I hope the “perp” is incarcerated and that the Virginia Department of Corrections gives him inmate identification # 54-46 in tribute to that great song by Toots! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZPmWdBWOeQ