6 70s Concerts That Ended in Complete Chaos

The 1970s brought some of the most memorable concerts in rock history, but not all for good reasons. While many shows went smoothly, others ended in chaos, with riots, arrests, and sometimes even violence. Here’s a look at six iconic concerts from the ’70s that turned into unforgettable disasters.

1. The Rolling Stones at Altamont (1969)

The Altamont Free Concert, headlined by the Rolling Stones, is remembered more for its chaos than its music. The event was meant to be a “West Coast Woodstock,” but things quickly got out of control when the Hell’s Angels were hired as security.

Fights broke out between fans and the Angels, and tragically, one audience member lost his life during the Stones’ set. This incident marked a dark end to the idealism of the ‘60s and cast a shadow on the Stones’ reputation for years.

2. Led Zeppelin at Tampa Stadium (1977)

A rainstorm may seem like a minor inconvenience, but it led to serious trouble during Led Zeppelin’s 1977 show in Tampa, Florida. After just a few songs, the band was forced to leave the stage due to weather. Fans who had been eagerly waiting erupted in frustration.

Chaos followed as upset concertgoers clashed with the police. Rocks were thrown, and over 20 people were arrested. What should have been an iconic performance ended in a chaotic night marked by disappointment and disorder.

3. Pink Floyd at Montreal (1977)

Pink Floyd’s 1977 show in Montreal turned chaotic when tensions between the band and the crowd boiled over. Fans were rowdy, with some even setting off fireworks. Frustrated by the noise and distractions, lead singer Roger Waters eventually spat at a fan who had been heckling him.

This incident was a turning point for Waters, inspiring him to write The Wall, a concept album reflecting on the isolation between performers and their audiences. The chaotic night became part of rock history as a strange and intense clash between band and fans.

4. The Who at Cincinnati Riverfront Coliseum (1979)

The Who’s Cincinnati concert in 1979 became infamous for a tragic crowd stampede. Fans eager to get good seats pushed forward in the venue’s “festival seating” arrangement, where tickets weren’t assigned. The surge resulted in a disaster, with 11 fans losing their lives.

The incident led to major changes in concert safety regulations across the U.S., but it cast a tragic shadow over The Who’s legacy. It serves as a reminder of the risks involved in large events when safety measures aren’t adequately considered.

5. Jethro Tull at Red Rocks Amphitheatre (1971)

A planned Jethro Tull concert at Red Rocks became chaotic when ticketless fans stormed the gates to join the sold-out show. Police were called to control the situation, and tensions escalated when tear gas was used to disperse the crowd outside the amphitheater.

Inside, fans experienced the concert while chaos erupted beyond. The event led to a temporary ban on rock concerts at Red Rocks, as officials rethought crowd control measures and how to handle the surge in popularity of rock music events.

6. Alice Cooper in Toronto (1973)

Known for his shock-rock style, Alice Cooper’s Toronto concert in 1973 took things too far for some audience members. Theatrics were expected, but fans weren’t ready for his intense stage antics. Cooper’s performance, which included simulated violence, stirred up a strong reaction from the crowd.

Fans either loved the spectacle or found it too unsettling, and some even clashed with each other as they reacted to the show. The chaotic response highlighted the divisive nature of Cooper’s theatrical approach and showed how boundary-pushing acts could rile up a crowd.