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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