The event was approved by the school board but was cancelled just one day prior to tickets going on sale by Mayor Sally Henzel, who stated a permit would not be issued because the event would tax the police and fire departments. Following the cancellation of the event, more than 200 students protested outside city hall.
The incident received national attention, and the ACLU became involved and threatened legal action. The show was rescheduled, and sold out in just a few days. But right before the show, the Columbine High School shooting occurred, and, at the time, news reports suggested that heavy metal music inspired the gunmen. As a result, school officials decided to cancel Spring Mosh ’99.
A documentary film about the cancelled concert(s) will screen at 7 p.m. on Saturday at the Streetsboro High School Auditorium. Tickets cost $10. They can be purchased online or at the door (cash only).
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This article appears in Nov 13-19, 2019.
