Legendary Band Hit With Massive Fine After Disposing Of Human Waste On Tourists
Touring bands and their crews regularly face many logistical challenges, but some incidents make an impression. While big tours usually come with careful planning, things can sometimes spiral into chaos.
A memorable example involved an iconic US rock band whose tour bus unintentionally created a scene in Chicago by dumping human waste on unsuspecting tourists. This mishap affected those caught in the moment and stained the city’s reputation.
It was a typical summer afternoon in Chicago on August 8, 2004, with 120 tourists enjoying a scenic river cruise. The boat, part of the Chicago Architecture Center's tour, sailed down the river as passengers marveled at the stunning architectural sights lining the waterfront.
Everything seemed to be going smoothly, and no one expected their peaceful day out to take a disgusting turn. An unexpected incident occurred as the tour boat, Chicago’s Little Lady, passed under the Kinzie Street Bridge.
Simultaneously, a tour bus belonging to the Dave Matthews Band crossed the bridge above. This timing alone would not have been an issue without a critical and regrettable action: the bus’s waste tank was emptied directly over the bridge.
To make matters worse, the bridge had grated flooring, which allowed the waste to fall straight onto the boat below. Approximately 800 pounds of human waste cascaded onto the top deck of the sightseeing boat, where tourists were seated, leading to a dreadful experience for those on board.
It is reported that two-thirds of the passengers were affected, with a mix of elderly individuals, children, infants, and pregnant women being drenched in the foul-smelling sludge. Understandably, the tourists were left in shock and disgust, with many immediately seeking refunds and taking the boat out of service for thorough disinfection.
The Kinzie Bridge in Chicago.
Getty ImagesOne of the passengers, Lynn LaPlante, later shared her account of the incident. She described the sudden arrival of a "deplorable smell" that caught everyone off guard, recalling the moment as both traumatic and, in hindsight, somewhat surreal.
"The windows were open, it was a beautiful day, and we were driving, and all of a sudden the most deplorable smell hit us.I think it's become more of a touchstone, like a cultural or iconic Chicago touchstone now. I look at it with humour. I think it's funny." said Lynn LaPlante.The Dave Matthews Band.
The band sought to make amends, paying a substantial $200,000 settlement to the State of Illinois. They also donated $50,000 each to the Chicago Park District and Friends of the Chicago River, helping to further the organization's mission of raising awareness about the river’s importance. As noted by the organization’s executive director, Margaret Frisbie, the band's contribution encouraged people to view the river in a new light beyond this unfortunate event.
Getty ImagesIn the aftermath, an investigation quickly identified the culprit. The bus driver, Stefan Wohl, admitted to dumping the waste, and the Dave Matthews Band cooperated fully with authorities. Wohl faced legal consequences, receiving 18 months of probation, 150 hours of community service, and a $10,000 fine directed to Friends of the Chicago River, a local environmental organization.
"Dave Matthews Band Tour Bus Incident 😱"
While the incident has left a lasting impression, both the band and Chicago’s First Lady Cruises—tour boat operators—have moved on. The cruise company, which has been in operation for over 87 years, has expressed a desire to focus on its positive contributions to showcasing the beauty of Chicago's waterways rather than dwelling on a single, unfortunate day.
For those on board that day, it will forever be a story to remember and, for the rest of us, a lesson in the unpredictability of life.
