Arena doorman who escaped bomb celebrates 50 years

A theatre doorman who escaped an arena bombing plot has been celebrated for 50 years’ service as "a legend and beloved figure".

Mohammad 'Mick' Chaudry, 76, has worked at the Alban Arena, in St Albans, Hertfordshire, since 1974 when it was known as City Hall.

He often thinks about the night of 15 November 1991 when he left work early, shortly before the IRA detonated a bomb prematurely that was thought to be for the venue.

"I love my job, and the punters love me. I want to carry on until my body gives up," Mr Chaudry said.

He said over the years he had met big names in the music industry and royalty, including Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Anne.

“Rock concerts, punk bands, reggae bands – I've seen them all backstage.

"Friends would come with their LPs and posters and ask me to get them signed," he added.

He recalled being offered a drink at closing time by John Lydon, lead singer of the Sex Pistols, and knocking on the dressing room door of glam rock star Marc Bolan to find him wearing only a towel.

His main roles were to check tickets, and to open and lock up the building.

"You can't compromise on safety", he said.

Security was stepped up massively in 1991 after the IRA bomb detonated outside near Barclays Bank, killing the two people who were carrying it.

It is believed the target was a military band playing at the arena.

It was one of the very few nights that Mr Chaudry had left work early, walking past the alleyway where the bomb was being readied.

"I would have been in that spot. It went off about 10:30pm but I booked out at 10.15pm.

"When I walked through here afterwards, for a long time, I’d think ‘It could have been you’," he said.

Police later told him they believe he had been under surveillance for several weeks.

"I’m sure they were just doing their job. They wanted to know why I'd left early," he added.

Mr Chaudry's 50 years of service have been celebrated with a special celebration and commemorative plaque.

Kate Barton, theatre general manager of Alban Arena and Eric Morecambe Centre, said: "Mick's impact goes far beyond just checking tickets.

"He's a beloved figure in St Albans and a living part of the Alban Arena's history."

Davina Lines, theatre box office manager, said Mr Chaudry was an "absolute legend".

"He's always been a pleasure to work with from day one.

"He's got a great way about him, brilliant sense of humour, and he's fantastic with the customers.

"I can't imagine him not being on the door greeting the customers in for the shows."

Mr Chaudry, who also works at the Eric Morecambe Centre, in nearby Harpenden, said he has no plans to slow down.

He said: "I love it. I look forward to it, when I get up in the morning I think, 'Oh, I'm going to the arena tonight'."

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