CONVERGE Gig Turns Violent: Video Posted Online

January 6, 2003

A fight that erupted during CONVERGE's appearance at Gainsvillefest 2002 in Gainesville, Florida on Dec. 21, 2002 — complete with CONVERGE bassist Nate Newton clocking an audience member over the head with his bass guitar — was captured on video and has been posted online at this location.

CONVERGE frontman Jake Bannon has issued the following statement in response to the incident:

"This incident really wasn't that interesting. Maybe it's a generational thing or maybe I am desensitized to this sort minor violence and conflict, but it was fairly uneventful. True, there were some punches were thrown, some property was damaged, some words were said, etc. But in the end it's all nonsense that escalated in the heat of the moment. Fights happen. I've been in many in my lifetime and make no apologies for it. I find it unbelievable that people have been in an uproar regarding this show. There have been many other incidents that I have seen and/or been a part of have dwarfed this in scale.

"Thank you to all of the people in attendance that handled the situation responsibly. This includes all of the kids that stood up for themselves and their community when they felt threatened and/or disrespected. Without that kind of heart and commitment this community would be nothing."

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