The LSU band was public enemy number one near the end of Saturday’s game against Florida at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville.
Between the third and fourth quarters, everyone in the stadium came together to honor the late Tom Petty, who passed away last week. Tens of thousands of fans in attendance came together in unison to since “I Won’t Back Down,” but there was some confusion at the beginning as LSU’s band was playing it’s traditional fight song.
Some fans took that as disrespect and believed the Tigers band was trying to ruin the planned tribute for Petty, who was born in Gainesville and once worked on the University of Florida grounds crew as a young man.
As you can see, some fans were pretty heated.
A couple of UF fans were super hot about the LSU band playing at the start of the 4th quarter. #TomPetty #doesntwanttobackdown pic.twitter.com/TkeOTM1VtC
— Michael Cauble (@MichaelCauble) October 8, 2017
The Golden Band from Tiger Land issued a statement on social media Sunday morning to clear up any confusion.
“Clarification on the 3-4th quarter situation last night. As is customary and tradition for LSU for every game over several decades, at the end of the 3rd quarter Tiger Band always plays Pregame/Touchdown for LSU. The plan was for LSU to honor their decades-old tradition while Florida honored their singing tradition simultaneously,” the statement read.
“Then right after LSU finished their Pregame, a tribute was to ensue. To help facilitate this, the LSU band started their Pregame tradition early with :10 seconds remaining in the 3rd quarter. At no time was it the intentions of Tiger Band to disrespect or interrupt a tribute of someone we consider a musical icon and apologize to anyone thinking this was the case.”
If you missed out on the tribute, it was pretty incredible.
RIP Tom Petty. pic.twitter.com/8akHgv3hKd
— Cody Worsham (@CodyWorsham) October 7, 2017
LSU went on to upset the Gators, 17-16.
Can’t get enough of Campus Sports? Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to stay updated with the latest news and exclusive giveaways!
