Chicago Rapper's Performance Shut Down at South by Southwest

The venue's occupancy was reportedly two times the maximum capicity

A Chicago-filled day at South by Southwest ended on a flat note when Chance the Rapper’s performance was shut down early Wednesday morning due to overcrowding.

After performing for less than 20 minutes at the Red7 venue in Texas, festival officials shut down the club and the performance after the number of fans at the show was double the venue’s capacity.

A team of officials who check venues hosting events for the festival reportedly closed the doors at Red7 ahead of Chance’s performance and told venue managers that no additional fans could be allowed in, according to Alicia Dean, senior public information specialist for the festival.

The team returned a short time later to find that occupancy in the venue was double the 499-person maximum allowed, Dean said. They then closed down the venue for the evening just before 1:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Fans reportedly chanted for the South Side rapper before being removed from the venue, and several took to Twitter to express their disappointment.

Chance the Rapper was the headliner for the City of Chicago showcase at the festival.

Choose Chicago, in conjunction with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, World Business Chicago, the Illinois Office of Tourism and even Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel spoke during the event to promote the city’s music and technology industries.

The Chicago Made music showcase also featured homegrown musicians including Wilco bassist John Stirratt’s side project the Autumn Defense, high-energy duo The Hood Internet, power-pop band Archie Powell & the Exports, indie rockers My Gold Mask, singer-songwriter Bonzie and alternative rap artists ShowYouSuck and Prob Cause.

Contact Us