Riverport Amphitheater in Maryland Heights had recently opened when one of the biggest names in rock and roll came to town. Guns N’ Roses had a reputation as the “most dangerous band in the world.” 

When they began to play “Rocket Queen,” an unauthorized photographer got the attention of lead singer Axl Rose. Rose yelled for security to take the man’s camera, but they didn’t act fast enough. Rose jumped into the crowd for a brief scuffle as the band continued playing. 

When Rose got back on stage, he announced the concert was over, and the band walked off. The crowd erupted, throwing practically everything they could at the stage. A full-scale riot ensued. 

In the end, 60 were injured, and several were arrested. Rose was charged with several crimes, resulting in the band getting banned from St. Louis. But in 2017, Guns N’ Roses did play St. Louis again…with no riot this time.

Based upon content from the book Missouri 365: This Day in Missouri History by John W. Brown, broadcaster and Missouri historian. Get your copy at Reedy Press.

Photo credit: Blank, Unsplash