For the Love of Rock and Metal is a blog dedicated to music articles, concert reviews, CD reviews, interviews and all other things related to rock and metal. There is an emphasis on local or semi-local music in the Madison, WI area.

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

In the News: Randy Blythe

Randy Blythe Arrested on Suspicion of 
Manslaughter in Fan's 2010 Death



Lamb of God frontman Randy Blythe was arrested last week on suspicion of manslaughter in the 2010 death of a fan who repeatedly rushed the stage. Ultimately, it is alleged that Blythe pushed the fan back into the crowd after the 3rd time he rushed the stage. He hit his head, slipped into a coma and died two weeks later as a result of the injury.

It was originally announced that the singer was released on bail and ordered to remain in Czech Republic until the investigation is completed, but has now been released that he posted bail but they are still holding him and refusing his release. The rest of the band has returned to the US and is requesting that fans do not inquire about the case as it would be "irresponsible" for them to comment on the ongoing investigation.

Blythe's family, friends, band mates and the entire metal community have rallied around him.  Supportive messages are being seen from Chris Kael (Five Finger Death Punch), David Draiman (Disturbed), Sebastian Bach (Skid Row), Slash, Scott Ian (Anthrax) and other big names in the metal community. Many are citing the December 8th, 2004 shooting death of Dimebag Darrell while on stage.

Unfortunately, sometimes bands have to fear for their safety as public icons. In my opinion, the fan should have been escorted out and should not have been given the chance to rush the stage and Blythe 3 times. Also in my opinion, Blythe had every right to defend himself from a fan that was behaving erratically and unpredictably. Yes, fans jump on stage. And yes, sometimes bands don't mind. However, if a fan is removed from the stage twice, then obviously they shouldn't be on stage. The fan's death is sad. It really is. But should we really hold Randy Blythe responsible for something that was not malicious or (in my opinion) negligent?

No comments:

Post a Comment