From the archive: When a 1968 crowd trashed Red Rocks over a canceled Aretha Franklin concert

Aretha Franklin, the “Queen of Soul,” is known for inspiring awe, motivating listeners to dance, and — on at least one occasion in Colorado — sparking a riot.

On Aug. 4, 1968, Franklin was scheduled to perform a Sunday night concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. But she went on stage to announce that she would not be performing because she hadn’t been paid by the program’s impresario, according to Denver Post archives.

Denver Post via Getty Images

About 200 people in the audience stormed the stage, destroying chairs, music stands, a grand piano, footlights, electronic equipment and anything else they could get their hands on. Bottles and rocks were thrown onstage. Metal trash barrels were rolled down the grandstand.

As police moved in, people went into the surrounding park, setting fire to trees, bushes and trash. Despite the chaos, there was little fighting and no one was injured. Three people were arrested, and that was because they were suspected of stealing electronic equipment.

The riot resulted in a one-year ban on rock shows at the venue, according to the Denver Public Library.

Per Franklin’s contract, she was to be paid $20,000 before the performance, according to the original Post story. The New Yorker reportedd that Franklin always demanded to be paid in cash on the spot or she would not go onstage. The cash would go into her handbag, which would either stay with her security team or come on stage with her. The reason: She grew up in an era when Ray Charles and B.B. King would get ripped off, according to The New Yorker.

Franklin, the woman behind classics “Think,” “I Say a Little Prayer” and “Respect,” died Thursday morning in Detroit at the age of 76 after battling advanced pancreatic cancer.

See all upcoming Red Rocks Amphitheatre events

Get To Know The Local Artists Playing Velorama this weekend

Denver’s most bumping bike music festival, Velorama is right round the corner — bringing with it, three days of booze, bands and needless to say, bikes. Moving down August 17 to 19, this year’s festival will become headlined by none other than Matt and Kim, Modest Mouse and The Growlers. Though the lineup is topped with a solid set of actors, the genuine meat is located at the undercard, chalk filled with amazing regional bands which aren’t to be overlooked. This report serves as an introduction into the regional artists of Velorama, so that if the Monday afterward strikes, you can tell us told you so.

Tracksuit Wedding Velorama

Photo courtesy of Slow Caves’ Facebook Page

Rooted in woozy surf stone, Slow Caves is place to attract Velorama in the streets and onto the shore. Don’t be fooled however , these rockers can move from a chilled saunter of a jam to a rip-rolling barn burner at the blink of a eye. The band has performed all over the Nation, from Austin’s South By Southwest into Boise’s Treefort Festival, as well as toured with acts like DIIV and Cold War Kids. Ignore the festival Friday, Slow Caves will create kick work of transporting the audience into some sun-kissed bliss.

Brent Cowles Velorama

Photo from Kyle Cooper

What is there to say about Wildermiss who hasn’t already been said? As one for Denver’s bands leading the charge onto the mainstream, Wildermiss is a complete package of strong indie-rock. The foursome, certain to conjure semblances into the like Local Natives and Of Monsters and Men, attracts a special mixture of vulnerability and raw electricity to each point they perform on. Performing at Velorama, the band is driving a wave of momentum coming off a national tour that included a sold-out night at the Bluebird Theater. If they continue at the speed that they are, that knows, one day this band could possibly be a future headliner.

The full Velorama schedule and tickets can be found here.

Read more: 303magazine.com

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