Today marks the 20th anniversary of a bizarre and unforgettable incident involving a Chicago River architectural boat cruise and an unexpected encounter with waste from the tour bus of the Dave Matthews Band.

Here’s how the story unfolded:

On the afternoon of August 8, 2004, a group of tourists was enjoying a leisurely architectural boat cruise along the Chicago River. As their vessel glided under the Kinzie Street Bridge, their peaceful journey took an unthinkable turn. At that exact moment, the Dave Matthews Band’s tour bus was crossing the bridge above, and in a shocking mishap, 800 pounds of human waste was dumped from the bus, raining down on the unsuspecting passengers below.

Yes, you read that correctly.

The tour bus driver, who was later found responsible for this unfortunate event, admitted to the act and faced legal consequences, including a fine, 1½ years of probation, and community service.

The Dave Matthews Band, known for their hit songs, large outdoor concerts, and strong commitment to environmental causes, quickly took responsibility. The band donated $50,000 to the Chicago Park District as a gesture of goodwill and an attempt to mend the situation.

The passengers on the ill-fated cruise vividly recalled being drenched by a foul-smelling, brownish-yellow substance that not only ruined their clothing but also led to several people falling ill.

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