PEARL JAM HELD "MORALLY RESPONSIBLE" FOR FAN DEATHS

According to British music site Dot Music, a preliminary report to the Danish Minister of Justice cites the band as being "morally responsible" for the tragedy. More than 280 witnesses were interviewed, many of whom claimed Pearl Jam is "well known for almost appealing for violent behavior." The report also condemned "crowd-surfing," the 1990s phenomenon still practiced by Pearl Jam fans and, apparently, unique to them.

Police claim the band, not the crowd or promoters, is liable for the calamity. Said one Roskilde Police spokesperson: "Whipping a crowd into a frenzy is appalling under conditions like those at the festival, where the ground was slippery and visibility was poor due to vapor in the air from many thousand people sweating."

Lead singer Eddie Vedder reportedly pleaded with fans to calm down during the concert.

Manager Kelly Curtis posted the following statement on the band's official Web site Wednesday night (7/19): "Pearl Jam are well known for their exciting live shows, but they have never, in their 10-year history of performing, ‘appealed for violent behavior.' Further, while ‘crowd surfing' is an audience ‘phenomenon' closely connected with many rock bands who are currently performing, it is not one that is encouraged by Pearl Jam. As the band's manager, I find it hard to believe that after all that has transpired, the band's devastation over the tragedies that occurred at the Roskilde Festival during their performance, and their long history of attention to fan safety, that anyone would assign ‘moral responsibility' to them. That, I find ‘appalling' and ludicrous. Pearl Jam has always, and will continue, to do everything possible to ensure that their shows, and shows they are a part of, are safe and enjoyable for those who attend."

Meanwhile, Creed guitarist Brian Marshall said: "This proves Creed is better than Pearl Jam. Our fans are whipped into a frenzy in the safety of a revival tent. The only danger there is boredom."