One day after a fan died at their Madison Square Garden concert, rock band Goose held a moment of silence during their Central Park show on Sunday, June 21.
“In times like this, you realize that life is very fragile, we are lucky to have an amazing community around us,” a member of the group. Peter Anspach he told the crowd at their Central Park SummerStage show in New York City on Sunday. “Everyone, if something is bothering you, please don’t be afraid to reach out to someone in your life or send us a message.”
Anspach, 33, added, “We have to help each other. That’s why we’re here. People are meant to talk and be with people, so thank you everyone for coming tonight, and thank you guys so much. We love you.”
The team – which contains Anspach and Rick Mitarotonda, Trevor Weeks again Cotter Ellis – held a moment of silence following the “tragic” death of a 51-year-old man Paul Kueker and send “condolences” to his family and friends.
The New York Police Department confirmed that Kueker died at a concert by the band MSG on Saturday, June 20, after falling from an “elevated position” inside the arena just before 10 p.m. Officers who responded to the 911 call found Kueker unconscious and unresponsive with injuries indicating a fall. He was seated in Section 300 of the stadium, authorities confirmed.
Kueker was pronounced dead after being taken to Bellevue Hospital. Although police do not suspect foul play, there is an ongoing investigation into his death.
“While we are waiting for the police report on the tragedy at the Goose concert last night, we are deeply saddened by the loss of life of a fan at Madison Square Garden,” said the venue in a statement. “Our hearts go out to the concert singer’s family and friends.”
Goose also took to social media on Sunday with a statement about Kueker’s death.
“We are deeply saddened and saddened to hear of the tragic incident that took place on tonight’s show,” they wrote. “We extend our deepest sympathies to everyone affected. Thank you to the emergency workers and local workers who intervened for their care and support.”
In another Instagram post on Sunday, Goose told fans to “consider” canceling their Central Park show. However, they decided that the “best thing” they could do was to unite their followers.
All proceeds from Sunday’s show went to the Western Sun Foundation fan fund.
“We are all shocked following the events that happened at last night’s show. Coming off the stage to hear that the news has treated us and our team badly, and we can’t imagine how some of you who left the show felt last night,” they wrote on Sunday. “This week we are working to host community gatherings with licensed therapists and grief counselors on hand, offering support through guided breathing, a place to share, and small gatherings to relax.”
