Man Who Attended Controversial South Dakota Bike Rally Dies Of Coronavirus

September 2nd, 2020 - 4:15 PM EDT by Adam Downer

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biker rally in south dakota

A man who attended the controversial Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota last month has died from coronavirus complications. The death of an unnamed man in his 60s is the first fatality directly tied to the rally. There are at least 260 cases of COVID-19 that have been linked to the rally, and experts believe that number is vastly lower than the actual scope of COVID spread from the event as attendees are resistant to testing.

In broader internet circles, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally drew attention for its musical lineup, which included Smash Mouth among cock-rock and nu-metal bands like Trapt, Quiet Riot, Fozzy and others. Speaking at the concert, Smash Mouth frontman Steve Harwell told attendees, "We're all here together! Fuck that COVID shit!"

The group received intense criticism online for their decision to play the show, and reportedly received hate mail because of it. The news of the man's death revived gallows Smash Mouth humor, which is a phrase that could only be typed in 2020.

Smash Mouth's next concert is scheduled for September 11th in Illinois. There is no word yet on if they plan to cancel the show in light of the coronavirus cases tied to their last performance.



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