DEICIDE Frontman On Laredo Incident: Police Used 'Excessive Force'

July 17, 2006

Florida-based death metallers DEICIDE have issued a statement regarding the events of last Friday (July 14) when their show at Hustlers in Laredo, Texas was shut down by the police after four songs and DEICIDE guitarist Ralph Santolla was arrested during the ensuing chaos (allegedly for throwing a can of the Red Bull energy drink at one of the officers) (see previous BLABBERMOUTH.NETstory). The group's statement reads as follows:

"On July 14, 2006, DECIDE were caught in a whirlwind of unfortunate events that occurred during their performance at Hustlers in Laredo, Texas.

"DEICIDE were in Texas on a short week-long tour promoting their forthcoming release, 'The Stench of Redemption', when they were faced with payment issues from the show's promoter, as well as a slough of technical issues that were also experienced by opening band, RINGWORM. Lead singer Glen Benton verbally expressed his displeasure with the situation to the crowd, but Benton was anxiously ready to forge on and play a full set for the audience despite prior setbacks when club promoters called Laredo police. Restlessness grew amongst the crowd, resulting in several bottles being thrown around the venue, causing mass confusion throughout the venue and between the police, crowd and band. Laredo police closed down the show, forcing DEICIDE to cut their performance short. 'We wanted to finish the show,' Benton genuinely states but the show came to a halt when police stormed the venue and surprisingly maced and arrested a member of the band on unclear charges. Benton states that the police used 'excessive force' and many concert-goers have confirmed this with unofficial observations.

"DEICIDE plan to move forward from this incident and would like to thank all the fans that came out for their patience and dedication. An official statement from Ralph Santolla regarding these events will be issued shortly.

DEICIDE will be releasing "The Stench of Redemption" on August 22, followed by a fall headlining tour, featuring fellow metal bands HURTLOCKER and JUNGLE ROT.

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