Trouble flared briefly at LIMP BIZKIT’S first date on their Napster-sponsored free US tour with CYPRESS HILL last night (July 11) when a number of minor scuffles broke out amongst audience members.
However, security guards quickly restored calm at the 2,700 capacity State Theatre in Detroit and the show passed off without major incident.
Industry experts had earlier warned that because of the nature of ticket distribution, Limp Bizkit were dicing with disaster. It was feared that something similar to the Roskilde Festival tragedy, when nine fans were crushed to death during Pearl Jam‘s set, may have been repeated due to the first-come first-served ticket allocation for the free shows.
But security and organisation seems to have avoided the possibility.
Wristbands to allow admission were handed out well ahead of the doors opening and traditional security barriers were not used inside. Instead, a human ring of security guards flanked the stage and Limp Bizkit performed behind a 20-foot chain link fence.
The band, currently viewed as the one of the biggest live draws in the US, mixed their older favourites with a collection of new tracks.
Included was their standard crowd-pleasing cover of Geroge Michael’s ‘Faith’ as well as new UK top five single ‘Take A Look Around’ and title track of their recently completely forthcoming new album ‘Chocolate Starfish and the Hotdog Flavored Water’.
In the coming weeks, both Limp Bizkit and Cypress Hill intend to take the tour to a number of US cities including Boston, New York and LA. Venues and ticketing details will be announced through local press and radio 24 hours before each show.