Red Rocks Riot, 1971

Jethro Tull's 1971 show at Red Rocks was almost the last rock show ever held at the venue In 1971 at early rock show at Red Rocks featuring Jethro Tull, unruly fans turned the venue into a war zone. It started when fans who couldn't get get tickets for the...

By Cory Casciato

November 17, 2008

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Jethro Tull's 1971 show at Red Rocks was almost the last rock show ever held at the venue

In 1971 at early rock show at Red Rocks featuring Jethro Tull, unruly fans turned the venue into a war zone. It started when fans who couldn't get get tickets for the sold-out show decided to climb the hills behind the venue to get in. The police responded with copious amounts of tear gas, and the result was a full-scale riot -- stuff thrown at cops, heads busted, cars tipped, the whole enchilada. Amazingly, the band played throughout the melee, making them the most badass group to ever incorporate a flute player. In the aftermath, the mayor banned rock shows from the venue, a ban that lasted for five years.

If you want to read the full story, try this piece about the show/riot from the LA Free Press or this Rolling Stone piece about the event. And if, by chance, there's a fan out there reading this who was there, by all means weigh below with your comments/recollections. -- Cory Casciato

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