4 Rock Concerts That Ended in Riots

Rock festivals are often celebrated for their music and community spirit. However, some events have taken a dark turn, leading to chaos and violence. This article explores four rock festivals that, despite their musical lineups, ended in riots due to various factors such as poor planning, crowd control issues, and unforeseen incidents.

1. Woodstock ’99 (Rome, New York)

Held in July 1999, Woodstock ’99 aimed to revive the spirit of the original 1969 festival. However, the event faced numerous problems, including extreme heat, overpriced necessities, and inadequate sanitation. These issues led to growing frustration among attendees. The situation escalated during performances by bands like Limp Bizkit, where aggressive music and crowd behavior intensified the unrest.

By the festival’s end, fires were set, vendors were looted, and property was destroyed. Reports of sexual assaults and other crimes emerged, tarnishing the festival’s legacy. The chaos highlighted the consequences of poor event management and the importance of ensuring attendee safety.

2. San Bernardino Punk Riot (2006)

On March 4, 2006, the “British Invasion 2K6” punk concert in San Bernardino, California, descended into violence. A reported stabbing inside the venue prompted a police response. Tensions escalated quickly, leading to a riot involving approximately 1,500 people. Attendees clashed with law enforcement, resulting in injuries and significant property damage.

The riot led to the destruction of police vehicles and damage to over 40 businesses. Several arrests were made, and the incident raised concerns about security measures at large-scale music events.

3. Riot at Red Rocks (Jethro Tull, 1971)

On June 10, 1971, a Jethro Tull concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado turned chaotic. An estimated 2,000 fans without tickets attempted to force their way into the sold-out show. Authorities responded with tear gas to control the crowd, leading to panic and injuries among attendees.

The incident resulted in a temporary ban on rock concerts at the venue. It also prompted discussions about crowd control and security at live music events.

4. Rage Against the Machine in Los Angeles (2000)

In August 2000, Rage Against the Machine performed outside the Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles. The concert was part of a protest against political issues. While the performance itself was peaceful, clashes between protesters and police occurred nearby. Law enforcement used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.

The unrest led to several injuries and arrests. The event sparked debates about the balance between freedom of expression and public safety during political demonstrations.