Last year in this space over the 4th, we celebrated American explosions that changed rock forever. Hendrix at Monterey, the MTV Moonman landing, the Grunge takeover, and Metallica’s loud arrival all made the list.
This year we celebrate some self-inflicted explosions that almost killed rock from the inside. These moments were so chaotic and unhinged that they felt spectacularly American, and we all wondered whether rock might finally collapse under the weight of its own dumbassery.
Because nothing is more American than blowing it publicly, posting bail, lighting a Marlboro, and still making it to the gig on time. So… let’s light the fuse.
Woodstock ’99
When: 1999
Where: Rome, NY
What: An attempt at replicating original Woodstock love that went terribly wrong. The festival was held on a massive cement landscape, an old Air Force base, in 100-degree heat with no shade and $12 water. Overflowing porta-potties, arson, sexual assault, and mosh-pit assaults plagued the weekend, and then a Sunday night riot broke out that looked like a third-world coup. It’s a miracle the Clinton administration didn’t outlaw rock Monday morning.
Axl Being Axl: Chapter 1,243
When: 1991
Where: St. Louis
What: Axl spotted a guy with a camera, then did his best Greg Louganis and dove into the crowd. He punched the guy, stormed off, and left thousands of concertgoers with nothing to do but riot, trashing the place and causing millions in damage. The city banned Guns N’ Roses for life, so the band then wrote “F**k You, St. Louis!” in the Use Your Illusion liner notes. The ban was eventually lifted, and the band now goes there all the time just for the ribs.
Billie Joe — “One Minute” of Epic Punk Rockness
When: 2012
Where: iHeartRadio Festival
What: Billie Joe stopped mid-song and unleashed an epic, profanity-laced, guitar-smashing, punk rock tirade about Green Day’s set being given only “one more minute.” He name-checked Bieber, though no one knows why, and flipped off the industry. In doing so, he cemented himself as a true RockTernative legend living in a corporate festival world.
Nikki Sixx & the Bullet Train
When: December 1987
Where: Japan
What: A very drunk Nikki Sixx thought hurling donuts at Mick Mars on the bullet train sounded like a fun way to pass the time. When that got boring, he fired a Jack Daniels bottle that hit a Japanese businessman in the head. Nikki was arrested by riot police and thrown in jail until the promoter got him out. Motley Crue: the only band that turns train rides into international incidents.
The Night Scott Stapp Forgot But Will Never Forget
When: 2002
Where: Chicago
What: Creed’s Scott Stapp reportedly showed up highly intoxicated, or medicated, and fell off the stage a few times. He forgot lyrics, then lay down and mumbled through the rest of the set while the band tried to keep the show alive. Fans even sued the band for “paying to see Creed,” claiming the band didn’t actually perform “Creed.” When your own fans sue you… you know it’s game over.
Ozzy & The Alamo — When Ya Gotta Go, Ya Gotta Go
When: 1982
Where: San Antonio
What: Ozzy could have his own series of columns here: snorting ants, the bat, the dove. But nothing tops the night the Prince of Darkness had clearly had a few too many, was wearing one of Sharon’s dresses, and, since it was late, had to go. So, on The Alamo he went. The Ozzman was arrested and bailed out for 40 bucks. He apologized several times, including in a History Channel special from the historic site.
Marilyn Manson Joins the Church of Satan (Sort of)
When: 1994
Where: Salt Lake City
What: While on tour with Nine Inch Nails, Marilyn Manson was named honorary “Reverend” by the Church of Satan’s founder Anton LaVey. The two were friends, and both later clarified that the title was a gesture from a friend rather than an official spiritual calling within the church. So titling an album Antichrist Superstar doesn’t actually mean he’s Satan?
Billy Idol Gets Kicked Out of Thailand
When: 1989
Where: Bangkok
What: Billy Idol went on a wild bender in Thailand. Three weeks and one destroyed hotel room later, he refused to leave. Enter the Thai army who forcibly sedated him and sent him back to the States. If you get kicked out of Bangkok, you’ve reached elite rockstar status.
The Morning After — Seeing KISS With No Makeup
When: 1983
Where: MTV
What: KISS finally removed the makeup… not realizing the KISS Army cared about more than just the music. A letdown so big they almost became Nickelback before Nickelback. And quite possibly the only time in rock history when putting makeup back on was the comeback strategy. And Gene wanted to remind you that KISS merch is still available [here].
Nirvana Gets Knocked Out — Literally
When: 1992
Where: MTV VMAs
What: Bassist Krist Novoselic knocked himself out on live TV. Near the end of performing “Lithium,” he launched his bass high in the air, then proved he’d never played baseball by misjudging the catch as the bass slammed down on his head. He stumbled off stage and collapsed. Thankfully, members of Queen were backstage and allegedly gave him alcohol for the pain — because of course they did.
Jim Morrison Hangs Out in Miami
When: 1969
Where: Miami
What: People thought Tommy Lee and Pam Anderson’s sex tape was shock rock. 30 years before that — in the ’60s — Jim Morrison exposed himself on stage, full monty. He then ranted… sweating and swearing, and the crowd went wild. Morrison was arrested, convicted, landed his own personal FBI file, and The Doors were instant hall of famers.
The Encores That Never End
When: 1980s-Present
Where: Every arena and stadium
What: KISS, Ozzy, The Eagles, Motley, Scorpions, and Sabbath all had “Final Tours” that weren’t actually final. In fact, that list is longer than the Declaration of Independence we’re celebrating this weekend. But hey… nothing is more American than retiring for profit, then un-retiring for even more profit.
Fire up some RockTernative this weekend and give a salute to all who deserve it, including our rock heroes who sometimes forget to pack their judgment in their tour cases. And have a great 4th.
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Keith Cunningham is a music industry and Rock/Alternative columnist for Barrett Media and the founder of Black Box Group, a modern-modeled creative & strategic consultancy built for brands that need strategies with teeth. He’s the former Master of Mayhem at 95.5 KLOS-FM in Los Angeles for over a decade, a nationwide consultant, and has been repeatedly voted one of America’s top Program Directors and strategic thinkers. Keith has built his career by taking multi-million-dollar brands from worst to first and leading Marconi & Gracie award winners along the way. A data nerd with a rock-and-roll heart, he is an advisory council member for St. Jude fundraising, a fantasy football champion, and lover of his daughters & dogs. Reach him at keithblackboxgroup@gmail.com or on LinkedIn or X.
