They search you before you go in. In your shoes, your shirt, in between your legs, under your bra. According to devoted go-go fans, drug use and violence are prominent at shows. Freshman Jasmine Barnes agrees that audience behavior at go-go's can get drastically out of control. There are a lot of fights.
Bowers credits the loss of control to alcohol and drug use.
The freaks come out at night Go-go's reputation for violence began when 11 people were wounded by shots fired at a Rare Essence show at D.C.'s Masonic Temple in April 1987. Shortly after, there was a fatal stabbing at a Celebrity Hall show. Junior Ryan Tonkins, who played drums for High Frequency, has also had his share of unforgettable experiences. He witnessed the shooting of Backyard's lead rapper at a show at The Lapena in Langley Park, where his band was also playing. Tonkins remembers other disturbing experiences.