On June 28, 2012, a local Czech news site reported that Lamb of God front man, Randy Blythe had been arrested. The arrest stems from a May 24, 2010 altercation at the band’s show at Club Abaton, in Prague. According to reports, a fan jumped up on the stage where a tussle ensued in which the fan was injured. The fan later died, reportedly as a result of those injuries. Authorities are claiming that Blythe is responsible for the fan's death.
The 41-year-old singer was detained before the band’s scheduled performance at the Rock Café by Prague officials and later arrested on a charge of manslaughter. The scheduled show with fellow U.S. metal bands Skeletonwitch and All Shall Perish went on without Lamb of God.
Offered Prague police:
"We have arrested the singer and charged him with the crime of bodily harm of 4th degree and resulting in the death of the fan."
Lamb of God publicist Maria Ferrero of Adrenaline PR, speaking on behalf of Blythe said he was “wrongfully accused,” adding that the “lawyers are dealing with it, and we expect him to be fully exonerated.” Footage of the 2010 concert is widely available on YouTube, but the incident in question cannot be found.
Lamb of God are currently deep into their current world tour in support of the band’s exceptional new album "Resolution". While no one from the band’s camp has commented directly on the arrest, the band’s Twitter site was updated with the brief post: “#freerandyblythe”
The band is currently working on a short film, “As The Palaces Burn”. Blythe recently spoke about the project:
“Something about this music is obviously making a connection that crosses cultural, ethnic, socio-economic boundaries,” began Blythe. “There is no, ‘You’re Christian, Jewish, Islamic, Buddhist, Hindu, whatever the f— you are,’ I look out at any show I go to and I see the audience and i see some 16-year-old kid and I look there and I’m like, ‘That’s me.’”
Of the current world tour Blythe stated: “It’s 2012, the year of the Mayan calendar, according to some, say the world is going to end. What better time than to embark on a world tour?”
The band is scheduled to return to the U.S. for another leg of their tour this fall.
[Source: Loudwire]
UPDATE June 29, 2012-- This morning Lamb of God's PR rep Maria Ferrero released the following statement:
Lamb of God management will be issuing an official statement on Monday regarding the charges made against singer Randy Blythe. As no formal charges have yet been made and the case is only in the investigation stages, it would be premature to make an official statement filled with false truths or innuendos.
Having said that, management wished to address today one false piece of information that has been included in many of the news stories released so far. Under no circumstances was there a fight of any kind involved. This incident deals with a fan that three times during the concert jumped the barricade and rushed Randy during the performance. It is alleged that the third time, security was not able to reach him and that Randy pushed him back into the audience where supposedly he fell and hit his head.
Again, until the investigation is concluded this weekend, nothing more will be released, but clarity and the facts needed to be addressed on this one reported point which is totally inaccurate.
Rustyn Rose is a veteran music journalist who owns and operates Metalholic Magazine and Metalholic Radio.
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