Grossiversary: 20 Years Ago Dave Matthews Band Dropped 800 Pounds of Poop on Chicago!
It’s been 20 years since the Dave Matthews Band dumped 800 pounds of raw sewage on 120 unsuspecting tourists. Happy anniversary! 🌐 #News #ChicagoIL #Illinois #DaveMatthewsBand
CHICAGO,IL – Two decades ago, one of the most bizarre and disgusting incidents in Chicago’s history splattered its way into the headlines, leaving the city’s reputation and the Chicago River forever stained.
On that fateful day, a Dave Matthews Band tour bus became infamous not for its music, but for unleashing 800 pounds of raw sewage onto an unsuspecting riverboat filled with 120 unfortunate tourists.
Talk About a S**t Show!
This wasn’t just any ordinary day on the Chicago River. The Kinzie Street Bridge became the backdrop for an event so repulsive that it still triggers grimaces and gasps 20 years later.
The tour boat, offering architectural sights, became the epicenter of what could only be described as a real-life nightmare. As the bus driver emptied the septic tank, the tourists below found themselves doused in a foul-smelling, stomach-churning deluge.
The aftermath was swift and severe. Public outrage forced the Dave Matthews Band to settle with the City of Chicago for a whopping $200,000. This settlement included a $50,000 donation to the Friends of the Chicago River, an organization dedicated to preserving the city’s natural waterways.
The incident became a catalyst for renewed efforts to clean up and protect the river, but the scar it left on the city’s history was indelible.
A Slapstick Reminder
Today, the site of the infamous dump is marked by a humble sticker on the Kinzie Street Bridge, a subtle reminder of the darkly comedic chapter in Chicago’s story. For a time, a plaque provided by Riot Fest also stood as a testament to the incident, though it’s since been removed.
Passersby, oblivious to the twisted history beneath their feet, walk across the century-old bridge with no idea of the grotesque spectacle that once unfolded there.
The Event That Haunts the River
The Friends of the Chicago River, an organization that was ironically hosting a kayaking event just a few hundred yards downriver when the sewage hit the fan, still shudders at the memory. The event underscored the need for stricter regulations and a renewed focus on protecting Chicago’s natural resources.
The organization has since become a major advocate for the river’s restoration, turning a revolting disaster into a rallying cry for environmental preservation.
“Don’t Drink the Water” – A Twisted Celebration
To mark the 20th anniversary of this grotesque episode, a sold-out dance party aptly named “Don’t Drink the Water” is set to take place at The Hideout.
The event, which has already garnered a lot of attention, will likely be a tongue-in-cheek celebration of one of the city’s most infamous moments. Event details can be found here.
Despite the laughter and the dark humor surrounding the incident today, the reality of what happened on that August day in 2004 remains as shocking and revolting as ever. Chicagoans might never forget, but perhaps some would prefer not to remember.
PS: Writing this article made me so grossed out, I’m gonna go take a shower.
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