Indian Metal Musicians Speak Out About Vandalism At METALLICA Concert

Several Indian heavy metal musicians have released statements condemning the actions of a select few fellow Indian metal fans who broke chairs and tore posters after organizers canceled a METALLICA concert on the outskirts of the Indian capital Friday night (October 28).

Organizers said the concert was called off due to technical difficulties.

Demonstealer (DEMONIC RESURRECTION): "All said and done, MESHUGGAH, LAMB OF GOD, SEPULTURA, PORCUPINE TREE, OPETH, HAMMERFALL, MACHINE HEAD, JOE SATRIANI, IRON MAIDEN, KATATONIA, POETS OF THE FALL, SATYRICON and a dozen other international metal artists have played in India, and I can safely say they had a fantastic show, great appreciation and love from the metal fans in India. So it sucks that one terrible incident by a few c**ksmokers ruins it for the rest of the people in India. But as an Indian, I can safely say this doesn't represent India or Indian people or Indian metal in any way."

Riju Dasgupta (ALBATROSS): "I consider this the most shameful chapter in India's brief metal history. As a METALLICA fan for years and years now, I'd dreamed of catching them live one day and this is certainly not the response that I'd anticipated from 'METALLICA fans.' I apologize to METALLICA as a representative of this nascent scene and more importantly, as a fellow METALLICA fan. I strongly urge other international acts to come visit us, as this incident doesn't represent Indian metal and its fans."

Gaurav Basu (INNER SANCTUM; who are scheduled to open for METALLICA in Bangalore): "It's really sad what has happened at the Gurgaon METALLICA show, I just hope this doesn't give other bands the impression that India is not a safe and great place to tour. We hope the Bangalore show goes off without a hitch and people can see what a great metal destination India truly is."

Anish (BLAKC, who were scheduled to open for METALLICA in Gurgaon): "We were stoked to open for METALLICA and the entire series of events have been extremely unfortunate and its definitely the first time we've seen this kind of a reaction and definitely music lovers in India are not violent people, we hope the Bangalore show goes off well and METALLICA get the concert they deserve in India."

Srinivas (SCRIBE): "I've been seeing the unruly stage video and I can see that there are about 20 odd people on stage. There has to be a serious security lapse else such an act cannot be performed in the first place and definitely a small bunch of people who have given the entire scene a bad name."