Riverport Riot

Lore & Background

During the band's performance of 'Rocket Queen', Axl Rose pointed out a fan taking still pictures and, after security failed to act, jumped into the audience and tackled the person. Rose struck members of the audience and security, was pulled out by crew, then slammed his microphone and left, saying 'Well, thanks to the lame-ass security, I'm going home!' Guitarist Slash told the audience, 'He just smashed the microphone. We're out of here,' which infuriated the crowd and set off a three-hour riot. The incident was captured on videocamera by Robert John, who was documenting the tour for the band.

Reader's Guide

The Riverport Riot is significant as a notorious example of fan violence at a rock concert, highlighting tensions between performers, venue security, and audiences. Rose was charged with inciting the riot, but a judge ruled he did not directly incite it. The band later stated that venue security ignored four requests to remove the fan, allowed weapons into the arena, and refused to enforce a drinking limit. In response, the liner notes of Use Your Illusion I and II included 'Fuck You, St. Louis!' instead of a traditional thank you. The riot delayed the band's return to the region for 26 years, until an incident-free show in 2017. Guitarist Izzy Stradlin referenced the 1988 Donington festival deaths, expressing concern about further trampling. The event remains a cautionary tale about concert safety and crowd control.

Did You Know?

• The riot lasted three hours and resulted in dozens of injuries.
• The band's Use Your Illusion I and II liner notes included 'Fuck You, St. Louis!' instead of a thank you.
• Guns N' Roses did not perform in the region again until July 27, 2017.