Goose Pays Tribute to Fan Who Died at MSG Concert: ‘Life Is Fragile’
Before the show, the band explained their decision to proceed with Sunday's concert, acknowledging the tragedy.
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - MARCH 30: Rick Mitarotonda of the band Goose performs at the Ryman Auditorium on March 30, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
Goose has paid tribute to a fan who died after falling from an elevated section during the band’s concert at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night (June 20).
According to the New York Police Department, 51-year-old Paul Kueker of Niantic, Conn., fell from an elevated position inside the venue shortly before 10 p.m. local time. Officers responding to a 911 call found Kueker unconscious and unresponsive with injuries indicating a fall from an “elevated position,” police said.
Authorities said Kueker was in Section 300 of the arena. He was transported to Bellevue Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Police do not suspect foul play, and the investigation remains ongoing. Kueker was attending the concert with his wife, according to police.
Following the concert, Goose shared a statement on Instagram mourning the loss.
“We are deeply saddened and heartbroken to learn of the tragic event that occurred at tonight’s show,” the band wrote. “We extend our deepest sympathy to everyone affected. Thank you to the emergency personnel and venue staff who stepped in with care and support.”
Madison Square Garden also addressed the incident in a statement.
“While we await the police report on the tragedy at last night’s Goose concert, we are deeply saddened by the loss of a fan’s life at Madison Square Garden,” the venue said. “Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the concertgoer.”
The Connecticut-based rock band proceeded with their scheduled SummerStage performance in New York City’s Central Park on Sunday evening. Before the show, Goose said they had considered whether to go ahead with the concert, but decided to move forward as a way to bring fans together.
“We considered whether or not we were going to play and came to the decision that the best thing we can do right now is bring our community together, lean on one another, and offer a space for healing,” they said. “So let’s be kind to each other tonight and remember our friend.”
The band also said proceeds from the SummerStage show would go toward a charitable fund providing support and resources for their fans.
At the start of Sunday’s performance, multi-instrumentalist Peter Anspach addressed the crowd and led a moment of silence for Kueker.
“We just wanted to take a moment to address some of the tragic events that happened at last night’s show, and extend our deepest condolences to Paul, his family, his friends and everybody who was affected by what happened,” Anspach said.
“In moments like this, you realize life is so fragile, we’re so lucky to have an incredible community here around us,” he continued. “Everybody, if you’re struggling with something, please don’t be afraid to reach out to somebody in your life or send us a message. You know, please.
“We got to help each other out. That’s why we’re here. People are meant to talk and be with people, so thank you everybody for coming tonight, and we really appreciate you guys so much. We love you.”
The Madison Square Garden concert was part of a two-night New York run for Goose, who have built a devoted following through extensive touring and improvisation-heavy live shows.
At the time of publication, authorities had not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding the fall.
