Next Big Sound (a/o May 24th):
This is the latest development in a highly-controversial case in the Czech Republic, where a fan died at a Lamb of God concert. In connection with that death, which occurred in 2010, frontman Randy Blythe has now been indicted on charges of manslaughter and will be returning to Prague to stand trial.
This is an extremely controversial case, and it remains unclear what role -- if any -- Blythe actually played in the death. According to accusations, the fan attempted to rush the stage, perhaps numerous times, which prompted Blythe to repeatedly shove the individual back into the crowd (the last time, with fatal results). In a series of developments that remain highly contested, that fateful shove resulted in serious head injuries that ultimately killed the 19-year-old fan.
August 7th, 2012: "I'm the Lead Singer of Lamb of God. And I Didn't Kill My Own Fan..."
Blythe, whose band is based in Virginia, initially spent five weeks in jail in Prague, where he will now return to stand trial. Blythe posted a considerable, $200,000 bail for release, and has pledged continued cooperation with authorities on the matter.
Immediately after the indictment was revealed, Blythe's attorney promised a rigorous defense.
"The price of a ticket to a show does not entitle audience members access to a band's stage. In the years since the murder on stage of Dimebag Darrell Abbott, performers of all genres have had to become more guarded while performing in response to the dangers presented by fans trying to become part of the performance. We believe that Randy responded professionally to the numerous amount of fans rushing the stage that day, a number of them captured on videos that have been posted on the internet."
The evidence appears scattered and unclear. For example, various YouTube clips appear to show Blythe (and staff) dealing with a fan that jumps the barricade several times, though it's difficult to isolate which incident resulted in the death (or even if the shove in question is part of the available footage).
The issue raises other questions about the venue itself and broader security issues. One is whether there was actually enough security to handle a show that was almost guaranteed to feature an intense crowd, and why Blythe himself was left with stage-clearing duty. The trial may also delve into nuances of Czech law, including the level of liability that Blythe and Lamb of God should carry.
Blythe could face ten years in prison if convicted.
Bottom Line Tuesday, December 04, 2012
Even if Blythe is found not guilty of all charges, any band that might have fans or even one fan that wants to come on stage will not want to perform in the Czech Republic.
This may not have any effect on a band's tour revenue, however it does effect the fans in the Czech Republic who will not be able to see some bands perform there.
Fan Tuesday, December 04, 2012
Can you tell me why? I didnt seen any reasonable reason.
Bottom Line Tuesday, December 04, 2012
Do you want me to tell you why a band might not want to tour the Czech republic? Because they may be tossed in jail if a fan climbs on stage and is not returned to the floor in exactly the same condition as they were when they climbed on stage.
or
Do you want me to tell you why people will no longer be able to see shows by bands whose fans have a desire to climb on stage? People will no longer be able to see them because what kind of a tour manager would book a gig where the band may be tossed in jail?
fan Tuesday, December 04, 2012
And thats only posible in Czech Republic? Im think it will be same in any other country. If somebody die, and you have whitness whos telling "It was this guy" in any other country will be the same trial.
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