Holding your keys in your hand with your gear was never, ever an idea that would work across all spheres of taping variables.
I agree that venue security is a bit more heightened what with mass shootings and whatnot, however PiedPiper, there are always people behind you. I'm sure you've pulled some sweet recordings with your Zoom F1 and SPSC but, uh, I'd dig seeing your list of accomplishments since you seem like you really know your stuff and come across as an exceptionally well-informed taper. If you relied on 'tricks' like leaving your keys in your hand then, well, of course you got busted at the door. All I'm saying is there are ways one can get into any venue with what you need. Myself, at minimum for two sources: 2 x M1 or D100 DAT, 2 x wires, 2 x headphones, 1 x scanner, 2 or 3 x boxes and maybe an extra hard disk to pull an easy AUD if I feel so inclined. That's a considerable amount of material. All that said, yeah, security is tougher now than it was, say, ~1999 but it also tightened up after the Dimebag Darrell shooting in the mid 2000's. And that was at a small club in Ohio.
There is a big difference between caught at the door and being caught inside. Caught at the door, you just walk away. Inside, if you do not know your rights, you could very well be caught up with security. I am not concerned about getting caught at the door but, again, never not been allowed inside even with crazy amounts of equipment on me.
Hoserama understands the longitude and latitude of taping. Dude is a Jedi.
Over the past 20 years I have been busted taping as in kicked-out/caught/walked-out a total of three times. Never, have I been unable to get my gear in through the door. I've taped thousand/s of concerts. And I have brought a LOT of gear inside in my day. The most was a Tool show in 2007 where I pulled 7 sources but that's a different story. You figure out a method that works for you and you exert confidence that you are there to enjoy the concert, meaning, you are honest in your demeanor. Someone has a question? Already have a response in your mind. There are always people behind you in line.
Sure. LOL. This is a different world we live in. A lot different than 2007. No offense, but your story and 50 cents wouldn't even buy you a cup of coffee these days. I've actually been taping longer than that and I have only been caught once and never caught while already inside. My comment above is more than accurate for today's social climate. The insurance and liability for concerts has increased to outrageous proportions and no club/venue wants to be the next on the evening news. That's why security is a LOT tighter these days. If you don't think so, that's cool ... but that just means you'll be caught soon.