On this day (July 17) in 2004, Linda Ronstadt was performing at the Aladdin Casino and Resort (now Planet Hollywood) in Las Vegas, Nevada. Things were going well until the encore, when she dedicated the Eagles’ classic “Desperado” to filmmaker Michael Moore and urged the audience to watch his documentary, Fahrenheit 9/11. The crowd turned on her, and hotel security escorted her off the property.
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Most can agree that the United States is deeply divided along ideological lines in 2025. However, this is nothing new. The opposing sides of the political spectrum were at odds in the early 2000s after the September 11 terrorist attacks and the beginning of the decades-long war in the Middle East. Moore, a left-leaning filmmaker, released his documentary in 2004. The record-breaking film was controversial due to its criticism of then-President George W. Bush.
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Ronstadt, who rose to prominence in the 1960s and has long vocally espoused progressive views. Despite this, she found acceptance and success among the largely conservative country music community. The fans who gathered at the Aladdin Theatre for the Performing Arts were seemingly unaware or unconcerned about her political views until she voiced them from the stage.
Before performing the Eagles hit “Desperado” as part of her encore, she dedicated the song to Moore. Per a Billboard report, she praised the filmmaker as a “great American patriot” and “someone who is spreading the truth.” Then, she urged the audience to see Fahrenheit 9/11. That’s when things got ugly.
The Crowd Turned on Linda Ronstadt
Bill Timmins, the manager of the Aladdin Casino at the time, spoke about the crowd’s reaction to Linda Ronstadt’s comments. “It was a very ugly scene. She praised him, and all of a sudden, all bedlam broke loose,” he said.
Members of the audience booed the Grammy-winning singer, threw their drinks in the air, and stormed out of the venue. Before leaving, they tore down concert posters.
Timmins said Ronstadt “spoiled a wonderful evening for our guests.” He added, “We had to do something about it. As long as I’m here, she’s not going to play.”
Hotel staff did not allow Ronstadt to return to her luxury suite. Instead, security escorted her from the property.
Featured Image by Vince Bucci/Getty Images
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