Smash Mouth frontman calls out COVID-19 in front of unmasked gig crowd
The 88th annual Sturgis Buffalo Chip Rally in South Dakota is currently happening. Last month, we learned that acts including Smash Mouth, Trapt, Buckcherry and Drowning Pool are all scheduled to perform at this year’s event.
Now, photos and videos have been released from Smash Mouth and Trapt’s sets over the weekend. The content reveals what the crowds at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip Rally really looked like.
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This past week, the United States surpassed 5 million coronavirus cases. Despite the headlines and increasing worry surrounding the virus, an estimated 250,000 people turned up for the Sturgis Buffalo Chip Rally. The Sturgis Buffalo Chip Rally is hosting numerous events including motorcycle shows, roller derby and nightly performances from various acts.
Prior to the start of the event, the local city council voted in support of the rally as long as various PPE guidelines are in place. As well, Buffalo Chip organizers encourage its attendees to follow CDC guidelines. They promise that hand sanitizer is widely available. Guests are also required to have a mask with them before entering the amphitheater. However, the event’s guidelines reveal that social distancing and masks will not be enforced for attendees.
On Aug. 9, both Smash Mouth and Trapt performed at the South Dakota event. Photos and videos from the performances have since emerged online. To no surprise, the vast majority of the crowd did not wear protective face coverings and did not social distance.
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During Smash Mouth’s performance, frontman Steve Harwell seemed amazed by the size of the crowd, saying, “We’re all here together tonight! Fuck that COVID shit!”
Here is a brighter video to see all the people (credit KOTATV) pic.twitter.com/P7XW46BLiS
— Connor Matteson (@mattesontv) August 10, 2020
Smash Mouth (Covid-19) pic.twitter.com/LVpVWMkiIW
— Thunder Kris ‘65 (@krisweeerd) August 10, 2020
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDsdgMYFeI7/
Trapt also shared photos from their performance on Sunday.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDtvL_OMxjn/?igshid=1odxnv8yrnrb7
However, Trapt’s photos are slightly different from one an attendee captured during their performance.
I was curious. Only picture I’ve found so far of Trapt performing up in Sturgis tonight pic.twitter.com/RzvUO57dmu
— Kari /// Linkin.Bert (@bombalurina03) August 10, 2020
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Following the performances, many flocked to social media to express their opinions on thousands turning out for a concert during a pandemic.
Can’t stop laughing about Sturgis having live concerts during a pandemic and the best lineup they could cobble together consisted of Smashmouth and Trapt
— Antifa Sgt. John Fauxgerty (@_flyentologist) August 10, 2020
Which is worse: a crowd of 250,000 not taking a pandemic seriously or literally anyone being this excited to see Smash Mouth? https://t.co/nyultW1fK0
— Amy Poulter (@AmyKPoulter) August 10, 2020
Can you imagine dying because you went to see Smash Mouth? https://t.co/AupiGTZu7f
— Chris Garman (@sononothing) August 10, 2020
every one who went to that smash mouth concert is dumb af and really risking your health for smash mouth of all bands??
— LadySquibbles16*wear a mask or get fucked (@LadySquibbles16) August 10, 2020
“Thousands of bikers turned up at Sturgis to watch Smash Mouth Play”
Hey now, got the Covid
Watching this has been band play
Hey now, got the Covid
Gonna own those libs today
No mask order I’m told
Wear a frigging mask if you want to grow old.— Spite Runner (@L8dySweet) August 10, 2020
What are your thoughts on Trapt and Smash Mouth’s recent shows? Let us know in the comments below.
