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Smash Mouth Sturgis: Over 100 contract Covid-19, Angry Internet hopes concert is 'cause' on death certificate

State health departments reported over 103 cases from people in South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin Nebraska, Montana, North Dakota, Wyoming and Washington which can be traced to the motorcycle rally

California-based rock band Smash Mouth is in hot waters after reports show that over 100-plus cases of Covid-19 have been traced from South Dakota's 80th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally where the band performed in August. On Tuesday, August 25, an Associated Press report mentions, the State health departments have reported over 103 cases from people in South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin Nebraska, Montana, North Dakota, Wyoming and Washington which can be traced to the motorcycle rally. The report says that health officials in South Dakota have said they don’t know how many people were exposed. The news agency also states that the city of Sturgis is conducting mass testing for its roughly 7,000 residents, in at least eight districts to track outbreaks from the 10-day motorcycle rally.

The band played at the motorcycle festival that took place from August 7-August 16. Other bands such as Night Ranger, the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band, Buckcherry, Lit, .38 Special, Quiet Riot, Reverend Horton Heat and Bone Thugs-n-Harmony also performed at the fest, as reported by Punk News. Performing at the rally earlier this month, a video also surfaced on the Internet on August 10, showing lead vocalist of Smash Mouth, Steve Harwell, saying, "We're all here together tonight. F**k that COVID shit," in front of a packed, maskless crowd as stated in Brooklyn Vegan.

During the Smash Mouth's performance and for that matter for the whole festival, the attendees reportedly ignored the Covid-19 protocol of following distancing guidelines. This included getting close to each other and not wearing masks as a precaution. Since the number of people getting the virus after attending the rally is increasing, the band is receiving hate mails from fans. It shared one such hate message on August 21 on their Instagram captioned as "recent fan mail." It shows a letter with the words "selfish" and "f**kers" visible, and a cut-up CD. Since the recent reports of people cntracting Covid-19 surface, the Internet is bashing the band and those who attended its performance.

“I hope the coroner writes "cause of death: Smash Mouth concert" on every one of these dumb a**hole's death certificates,” wrote one.

Another one lashed out at the band over negligence. “Imagine risking your life (those of others you’ll be in contact with) to see Smashmouth. Smashmouth.” 

Some are perplexed if the band gave the virus. “So Smash Mouth gave people COVID? Well honestly, I don't wanna die listening to All Star, but that decision might change.”

Others joke about those who attended the rally where the band performed. “POV - you passed out from COVID at Smash Mouth’s concert.”

Meanwhile, some supported the band saying they are just doing their jobs when they are performing. “Let’s be clear here, this is not the band’s fault. They have bills to pay and workers to support. If someone wants to hire them, and people don’t want to distance that’s on the consumer, not the entertainers.”

Another concurred in their support and opined to stay calm. “EXACTLY. It’s their life. + All of our lives, we were told not to panic & remain calm, meanwhile everyone is losing their minds. Fans wanna have a chance to see a fav band or celeb for once in their life, they’ll go at their own risk.”