Rock Concert Performances That Incited Riots

Where: Woodstock '99, Rome, New York, July 25, 1999

How the Incident Began: Woodstock '99 was intended to echo the peace and love of the original festival, but things unraveled quickly. The event was plagued with issues: scorching temperatures, limited shade, overpriced water, and inadequate sanitation facilities left attendees frustrated. This simmering discontent reached a boiling point on the final night during the Red Hot Chili Peppers' performance. As they played, some fans began to set bonfires in the crowd using debris and leftover plywood from makeshift walls that had been torn down earlier.

Most Dangerous Moments: The fires spread quickly, sparking chaos throughout the festival grounds. The scene turned ugly as 12 trailers, a van, and several merchandise booths were damaged in the blazes. Riotous behavior escalated with looting and vandalism, leading to multiple injuries. Reports of sexual assaults further darkened the festival's legacy. The situation required intervention by state troopers and firefighters to restore order.

Where: Accra, Ghana, 1978

How the Riot Started: During a performance of 'Zombie,' a scathing critique of the Nigerian military’s mindless obedience, the crowd in Accra became highly agitated. The song’s provocative lyrics and Fela Kuti’s reputation for anti-government activism fueled an ecstatic and aggressive response. The audience, already charged by the song’s rebellious energy, spiraled into chaos as emotions boiled over.

Most Dangerous Moments: The crowd’s manic energy turned violent, leading to a full-scale riot. Property was damaged, and the situation escalated to the point where Ghanaian authorities intervened forcefully. As a result, Fela Kuti was deported from Ghana and banned from returning to Accra, highlighting the severity of the unrest. The riot’s intensity reflected the song’s power to inflame anti-military sentiment.

Where: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, October 9, 1980

How the Incident Began: During their North American Heaven and Hell tour with new vocalist Ronnie James Dio, Black Sabbath hit a snag in Milwaukee. Midway through their set, bassist Geezer Butler was struck in the head by a projectile thrown from the crowd. “Then I was hit in the head. One minute I'm playing 'N.I.B.,' the next I'm covered in blood! I backed out and was taken offstage,” Butler recalled. Reports vary on whether it was a bottle or a metal cross, but regardless of what it was, the injury forced Butler offstage, cutting the performance short.

Most Dangerous Moments: The tension in the arena boiled over when the band’s road manager informed the audience that Black Sabbath would not be returning due to the incident. Fans reacted violently, launching into a riot that saw windows broken, pay phones ripped out of the ground, and extensive damage to the arena. The violence spilled into the streets with clashes among fans. Over 160 people were arrested, and many concertgoers were hospitalized alongside Butler himself

Where: Club Hipico, Santiago, Chile, May 12, 1993

How the Incident Began: When Metallica returned to Chile for the first time in over a decade, anticipation was sky-high. The concert drew a crowd of 55,000 inside the Club Hipico horse-racing track. However, outside the venue, more than 2,000 fans without tickets attempted to crash the gates and gain entry. The situation quickly spiraled out of control as the gatecrashers clashed with security personnel.

Most Dangerous Moments: The escalating chaos prompted intervention by the Carabineros, Chile's militarized police force. They used water cannons to disperse the aggressive crowd trying to force their way in. The confrontation resulted in over 120 arrests as tensions boiled over into violence. Despite the disorder outside, Metallica's performance continued inside, though the unrest cast a shadow over what should have been a triumphant return.

Where: New Haven, Connecticut, December 9, 1967

How the Incident Began: Before taking the stage, Jim Morrison had a run-in with a police officer backstage. The officer found Morrison with a fan in a shower and, not recognizing him, demanded he leave. When Morrison refused, the officer used mace on him. This confrontation set the tone for the evening. During the show, Morrison addressed the incident onstage, mocking the police officer as a "little blue man in a little blue hat" and later calling him a "little blue pig." His comments stirred up the crowd and led to heightened tensions.

Most Dangerous Moments: The situation escalated when police decided to arrest Morrison mid-performance. This action sparked chaos among the audience, leading to a scuffle between fans and law enforcement. Thirteen people were arrested that night, including members of the press who were covering the event. Morrison himself was charged with inciting a riot, indecency, and public obscenity but eventually got away with just a $25 fine.

Where: Los Angeles, California, August 14, 2000

How the Incident Began: Rage Against the Machine set up an impromptu performance across from the Staples Center during the Democratic National Convention. The band's politically charged music and messages were a perfect match for the thousands of fans and activists who gathered. Lead singer Zach de la Rocha made fiery speeches about corporate control over democracy, which resonated deeply with the crowd, stating “Our democracy has been hijacked.” The event drew more than 8,000 attendees, many of whom were already discontented with the political climate.

Most Dangerous Moments: After a 40-minute set filled with energy and defiance, tensions reached a peak as fans clashed with police who were stationed around the venue in riot gear. The situation grew increasingly volatile as attendees began throwing bottles and rocks at law enforcement. Police responded with tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd. Eight years later, a similar scene unfolded at the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis, where fans once again collided with police after another Rage performance.