SPANISH FORK — When the industrial rock band Rage Against the Machine played the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds eight years ago it so incensed Spanish Fork city chiefs that they restricted private concerts on city property.
But as with any story involving show business, there's always a second act.
The Spanish Fork City Council on Tuesday loosened the ban by establishing a policy that allows activities on city property — but with restrictions.
Recreation director Dale Robinson will make sure the new rules are being followed.
City leaders say they changed the rule because it hurt local groups who wanted to hold special events. Those affected included high school students who were prevented from holding dances and concerts at the fairgrounds.
"There's been lots of requests from (Spanish Fork High School) lately," city manager Dave Oyler said.
The new policy makes dances, concerts and other non-city sponsored events possible, but officials placed restrictions to avoid problems, he added.
It also allows such events as company parties and large church gatherings, but doesn't cover family reunions or other social gatherings at parks, where the number of people attending is below occupancy restrictions.
But they can make sure another concert debacle doesn't happen.
They well remember when the city in 1996 scheduled Rage Against the Machine, which has since disbanded, to come to town, residents protested attempting to get officials to cancel the contract, then asking parents not to let their children attend.
Politically conservative Utah Valley residents also objected to the band's use of profane language that could be heard outside the fairgrounds, and the political rhetoric in the lyrics.
Residents feared the influence the band could have on their children — song titles include "Killing in the Name" and "Bullet in the Head" — and potential for injury among fans who may frequent a mosh pit, where fans "slam-dance" against each other.
The concert in Spanish Fork brought out police officers from throughout Utah County coupled with about 100 security officers the band hired.
Following the concert the City Council quickly imposed the ban to prevent other rock bands from coming to the usually quiet town.
E-mail: rodger@desnews.com