Dublin-The Point Theatre, May 11,1996, 9:30 pm. 7000 fans filled the floor at
The Smashing Pumpkins hit the stage. 110 security guards scrambled behind the
barricades to control the flow of the mosh pits as they formed as the Pumpkins began to
play. A few minutes into the show Billy Corgan could feel that something was wrong. He
told the crowd to take a step back. At 10 pm, Billy said that they would stop the show if
they didn'tstop moshing. For Bernadette O'Brien, a 17 year high school student, it was
already too late. O'Brien, who was near the front of the stage with a friend and two
cousins crushed by the overpowering crowd. When informed of the girl's injuries, Corgan
told the crowd, "I'm sorry we can't play on. The gig's over. There's a girl out there who's
nearly dying. We as human beings cannot play up here while people are getting seriously
hurt down there. "The following day, Bernadette was taken off life-support at Mater
Hospital in Dublin. It was announced that she died from massive internal injuries. The
Pumpkins sent flowers to her funeral and released a statement extending their condolences
to Bernadette O'Briens family and friends.
Upon hearing the news from Dublin, many North American cities wanted to decline
the band the chance to play. For the rest of the Infinite Sadness Tour, there would be
numerous location where the floor space would contain floor seats so their would be no
moshing and no chance of a tragedy like this one happening again. Most "Alternative"
bands insist the promoters allow moshing. The Smashing Pumpkins have been one of the
most outspoken bands in criticizing reckless violence in the mosh pit.
