I saw them in concert and the lead singer explained this was based on a true story, which the lyrics do a pretty good job of retelling. Basically, the lead singer was working at a Californian bar, when Crowe and his crew (this was around the time he landed Gladiator) walked in smoking. He told Crowe they don't allow smoking. His goons brought him outside and beat him up. Crowe realized he was just doing his job and offered the singer a punch. He punched him and he ran for his life.
I saw them in concert and the lead singer explained this was based on a true story, which the lyrics do a pretty good job of retelling. Basically, the lead singer was working at a Californian bar, when Crowe and his crew (this was around the time he landed Gladiator) walked in smoking. He told Crowe they don't allow smoking. His goons brought him outside and beat him up. Crowe realized he was just doing his job and offered the singer a punch. He punched him and he ran for his life.