Goose holds – One day after a fan died at Goose’s Madison Square Garden show, the band held a moment of silence during their Central Park SummerStage performance on Sunday, June 21, and urged fans to reach out to one another.
When Goose walked out at Central Park SummerStage on Sunday, June 21, the band didn’t rush past the grief. They paused—together with the crowd—for a moment of silence after the “tragic” death of 51-year-old Paul Kueker at their Madison Square Garden concert the night before.
Anspach, 33, stepped to the microphone and addressed the room directly. “In moments like this. you realize life is so fragile. we’re so lucky to have an incredible community here around us. ” he told the crowd. Then he turned the message outward. “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.”.
He 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.”
Goose’s pause followed the New York Police Department’s confirmation 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 say they responded to a 911 call and found Kueker unconscious and unresponsive, with injuries indicating a fall. Authorities confirmed he was seated in Section 300.
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.
Madison Square Garden also released a statement, saying, “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 added, “Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the concertgoer.”
Goose mirrored that sentiment in its own Sunday statement posted on social media. “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 next day’s Central Park decision carried its own weight. In a separate Instagram post on Sunday, Goose told fans that they “considered” canceling their Central Park show. They said they ultimately decided the “best thing” they could do was bring their fans together.
After learning what had happened at MSG, Goose said it was “devastating” for them and their crew. “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. ” the band wrote.
All proceeds from Sunday’s show went to the Western Sun Foundation’s fan support fund. Goose said that this week it would work to host community gatherings with licensed therapists and grief counselors present, offering support with guided breathwork, space to share, and smaller breakout circles.
Goose performed with Peter Anspach alongside Rick Mitarotonda, Trevor Weeks and Cotter Ellis, holding the moment of silence after sending their “deepest condolences” to Kueker’s family and friends.
Goose Madison Square Garden MSG concert Paul Kueker Central Park SummerStage Peter Anspach fan death moment of silence Western Sun Foundation grief counselors Bellevue Hospital New York Police Department