LAMB OF GOD Bassist: RANDY BLYTHE's Legal Woes 'Had Such A Profound Effect On Us As People'

Rock Revolt Magazine recently conducted an interview with bassist John Campbell of Richmond, Virginia metallers LAMB OF GOD. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

On LAMB OF GOD singer Randy Blythe's arrest and incarceration in Prague for over five weeks which resulted in the cancelation of the band's tour this past summer:

John: "The experience had such a profound effect on us as people, as his friends, as a band as a whole. We were seriously just so worried about him that all we really did was sit around in shock with our friends and families most of the time, waiting for word from his attorneys. It was excruciating, emotionally, and to say that it was a difficult and trying time is an understatement."

On the support shown for Randy by many fellow musicians in raising funds for his legal representation:

John: "We've had so many staunch supporters. It was great the way everyone donated some amazing items for an eBay auction we held to help with the legal fees. I mean, so many of our long time friends like Chris Kael and all the guys from FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, Robb Flynn and Phil Demmel (MACHINE HEAD),Dave Ellefson (MEGADETH) and Slash all came through. So many friends have been supportive within the industry and beyond that if I named them all here it would take up your whole magazine and then some!"

On the fan support over the course of the last few months:

John: "There have been so many people that have helped us in so many different ways. Our fans have been amazing! They've formed petitions, started letter writing campaigns, all kinds of things to show Randy and all of us that they are there. We all feel very lucky to have people that take time out of their day to write something cool on Facebook or on the 'Congregation' members section on our web site. Stuff like that goes a long way on a bad day, ya know?"

On how, ever since a fan gunned down PANTERA guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott during a performance, it simply is not OK for fans to jump on stage anymore:

John: "It can get scary sometimes. You just don't know anymore. We're just trying to work. Granted, we are a hardcore metal band, so people are going to mosh and jump around and stuff, but there has to be a limit. We don't want to get hurt and we don't want anyone else to get hurt either."

Read the entire interview from Rock Revolt Magazine (PDF file).