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 moments like this, you realize life is so fragile, we’re so lucky to have an incredible community here around us,” band member Peter Anspach told the crowd at their Central Park SummerStage show in New York City on Sunday. “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.”
Anspach, 33, added, “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 group — which consists of Anspach along with Rick Mitarotonda, Trevor Weeks and Cotter Ellis — held a moment of silence following the “tragic” death of 51-year-old Paul Kueker and sent their “deepest condolences” to his family and friends.
The New York Police Department confirmed that Kueker died at the band’s MSG concert on Saturday, June 20, after falling from an “elevated position” inside the arena just before 10 p.m. local time. Police responded to a 911 call and found Kueker unconscious and unresponsive with injuries indicating a fall. He was seated in Section 300 of the arena, authorities confirmed.
Kueker was pronounced dead after being transported to Bellevue Hospital. While police do not suspect foul play, there is an ongoing investigation into his death.
“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 shared in a statement. “Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the concertgoer.”
Goose also took to social media on Sunday with a statement addressing Kueker’s death.
“We are deeply saddened and heartbroken to learn of the tragic event that occurred at tonight’s show,” they 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.”
In a separate Instagram post on Sunday, Goose told fans that they “considered” canceling their Central Park show. However, they decided that the “best thing” they could do was bring their fans together.
All proceeds from Sunday’s show went to the Western Sun Foundation’s fan support fund.
“We are all reeling following the events that occurred at last night’s show. Getting off stage to learn that news was devastating for us and our crew, and we cannot imagine how some of you left the show feeling last night,” they wrote on Sunday. “This week we are working to host community gatherings with licensed therapists and grief counselors present, offering support with guided breathwork, space to share, and smaller breakout circles.”
