“The New York Post” recently compiled of list of what they believed to be the top ten on stage meltdowns in rock and roll history. What was the muse to inspire a list like this? None other than the reunion of Guns N’ Roses as they finally got over themselves and decided to work together again. The following list is ordered chronologically, not by biggest meltdown.
1. The Kinks: In the middle of a 1960’s concert, band member Dave Davies knocked over Mick Avory’s drums prompting him to slap Davies with a cymbal. Their second on stage antic involved a jealous Dave spitting on brother Ray’s girlfriend, lead singer of the Pretenders, Chrissie Hynde.
2. The Who: As the band played their ‘69 Woodstock set, radical activist Abbie Hoffman stood backstage tripping on LSD. After “See Me, Feel Me” he rushed onto the stage and grabbed the mic in order to soap box over the arrest of a White Panther for weed possession. Pete Townsend then slapped Hoffman in the head with his guitar and told the druggie to “Fuck off my fucking stage!” Hoffman still denies the event ever happened and still sees unicorns.
3. The Rolling Stones: A show at Altamont Speedway lead to the film Gimme Shelter, one of the most poignant rock documentaries in history. The Stones hired the Hell’s Angels as security and basically someone ended up stabbed to death for flashing a gun.
4. G.G. Allin: This punk rocker cared less about music and more about self-mutilation while onstage. The nut would cut himself with broken bottles and can lids and even micturate and defecate (piss and shit) all over the stage. Bulimics, if you haven’t hurled today, here’s a video.
5. Guns N’ Roses: Back in ‘92 both Metallica and GNR headlined a show in Montreal (where the hard core rockers were). Thanks to some cleverly rigged pyrotechnics singer James Hetfield caught fire thus ending the metal group’s performance. The show was left to be saved by GNR who ended up taking several hours to appear on stage. Pre-plastic surgery Axl Rose (check out his look alike) then complained his throat hurt and ended the entire gig after 4 measly songs. The crowd was less than pleased and rioted. They smashed card windows, set fires, and looted local stores, all firsts for Canadians.
6. Cat Power: Lead singer Chan Marshall is as crazy as they come. She starts and stops songs at her own will, forgets lyrics and constantly has to apologize to her audience for her rumored extra 21st chromosome. During a ‘99 Bowery Ballroom show Chan stumbled into the crowd mid-song and stuck her nose to the floor. Fans tried to console the whacky feline by rubbing and soothing her, and she eventually got up only to say “These guys (the audience) hate me.”
7. Fiona Apple: A 2000 show at the Roseland Ballroom in NY caused Fiona to flip out because she couldn’t hear herself in the monitors. Instead of motioning to the sound guy to up the volume, she broke down in tears, cursed members of the press, and yelled, “Fuck, this is a nightmare.” Evidence of her neurosis still exists (see Vegoose video).
8. Ryan Adams: Not to be confused with Bryan Adams, the no talent ass clown from Canada, Ryan Adams tossed $30 (the price of the ticket) to a heckling audience member after he yelled “Summer of ‘69″ during a Nashville show. Ryan refused to continue the gig until he left.
9. Great White: More pyrotechnical difficulties. This time it resulted in the death of guitarists Ty Longley and the guilty pleas of two members after a hundred people were killed when the venue caught fire.
10. Blondie: The evening Debbie Harry was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame she was set to play a few songs. Before starting, former and long-time guitarist, Frank Infante, rushed onstage and begged, “Debbie, aren’t we allowed?” She replied, “Can’t you see my real band is up there?” Snap!
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