LIMP BIZKIT FAN DIES

"The Big Day Out wishes to express our deepest sympathy at the tragic death of Jessica, who was injured at the Sydney show," festival organizers said in a statement. "Our hearts and thoughts go out to her family and friends in this time of deep sorrow… Until the full circumstances surrounding Jessica's death are known, the Big Day Out does not wish to make any further comment."

Limp Bizkit said they were shattered by the incident. "We are devastated that Jessica died and really nothing can describe the sadness and anguish we're feeling," the band said in a statement released Thursday (2/1) in Australia. "We offer sympathy, prayers and compassion to her family and friends. The loss of her life will impact ours forever."

Jessica, whose last name has been withheld, suffered a cardiac arrest when the crowd rushed the stage during Limp Bizkit's headlining performance last week. Six others were also reportedly hospitalized with injuries.

After the show, Limp Bizkit cited the "cavalier attitude toward fan safety by festival organizers" as the reason for the melee (hitsdailydouble.com, 1/29), and pulled out of three remaining Big Day Out concerts.

The band said it alerted the promoter, Creative Entertainment of Australia, about crowd-safety issues after the first Big Day Out show in Auckland, New Zealand, on Jan. 19. Limp Bizkit requested additional security and a T-style barricade, but said it was rebuffed by co-promoter Vivian Lees.

"We basically begged this guy to increase the security measures," Durst said in the statement, "and were told he has been doing the event for 10 years and that he knows what he's doing and to leave him alone."

"Though we tried to explain that crowds are different from 10, or even three, years ago, we were ultimately frustrated by his insufficient response," noted Jeff Kwatinetz of Limp Bizkit's management company, The Firm. "Any promoter who sticks his head in the ground and refuses to believe that audiences have changed is asking for a tragedy. Although many fans will be disappointed, which we all regret, I personally commend Limp Bizkit for not wanting to put their fans in harm's way."