Rock band Goose is speaking out after a concertgoer fell to his death during their show at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
During Saturday’s concert, a 51-year-old man fell from a balcony in the venue and was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said.
The band — which consists of members Rick Mitarotonda, Trevor Weeks, Peter Anspach, and Cotter Ellis — continued the concert after the incident and later released a statement saying they were “heartbroken” to learn of the death. It is unclear whether they were aware of what had happened during the show.
“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.”
The Connecticut-based band performed its full 16-song setlist and ended the show before midnight.
The concertgoer’s identity has not been released, and it is unclear what led to the fall, which police said occurred at 9:51 p.m. ET.
“Upon arrival, officers observed a 51-year-old male unconscious and unresponsive with injuries indicative of falling from an elevated position,” NYPD told The Independent in a statement.
“EMS responded and transported the male to NYC Health and Hospitals/Bellevue where he was pronounced deceased. The investigation remains ongoing at this time.”
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Pictures from other people in the crowd shared on social media showed that venue staff cleared seven rows of seats and used police tape to block off the area after the fall.
Although it is unclear whether the band was aware of the emergency at the time, MSG has faced backlash online as fans question why the show, which was broadcast on an Amazon Music livestream, continued after the incident.
“Why did this show continue? poor judgement,” one wrote on Instagram. Another added: “they should have called the show quits not professional.”
One person wrote on Reddit: “I don’t know if it’s Goose, MSG, or Amazon that needs to be held accountable for this, but it is absolutely ridiculous to continue a show after this. Overall terrible that this happened, hold your people tight and look out for one another.”
Amazon Music did not immediately return The Independent’s request for comment.
Goose played Madison Square Garden for two nights as part of their Summer 2026 tour, which is hitting 27 concerts in 19 cities in the U.S. and Canada.
