Randy Blythe arrested: The story has caused quite a stir withn the metal community, as it would suggest that bands are responsible for the actions of the people who come to see them perform. “Lamb of God” singer D. Randall “Randy” Blythe was detained in Prague this week in regards to a 2010 incident that left one of their fans dead.
According to reports, the victim repeatedly rushed the stage several times during a “Lamb of God” show over two years ago. However, during his third attempt, the individual managed to bypass barricades and security, leaving Blythe no other choice but to push the overzealous fan back into the crowd. It was around this point that the guy fell and hit his head on the floor. The man reportedly died later from his injuries.
However, certain details surround the arrest are conflicting. Some have claimed that Blythe has already been charged with manslaughter, which could find him spending five to ten years in prison. However, others are simply reporting that Blythe has been brought in for questioning, and that nothing official has taken place.
In an effort to prevent the rumors from flying out of control, the band’s long-time publicist has issued the following statement on the matter:
As no formal charges have yet been made and the case is only in the investigation stages, it would be premature to make an official statement filled with false truths or innuendos.
Having said that, management wished to address today one false piece of information that has been included in many of the news stories released so far,” she continued. “Under no circumstances was there a fight of any kind involved. This incident deals with a fan that three times during the concert jumped the barricade and rushed Randy during the performance. It is alleged that the third time, security was not able to reach him and that Randy pushed him back into the audience where supposedly he fell and hit his head. Again, until the investigation is concluded this weekend, nothing more will be released, but clarity and the facts needed to be addressed on this one reported point which is totally inaccurate.
People leaping on-stage with their favorite bands has been an extremely touchy subject following the death of legendary Pantera guitarist “Dimebag” Darrell Lance Abbott in 2004. Abbott, who was performing with the band Damageplan at a venue in Columbus, Ohio, was shot several times in the head by Nathan Gale after he made his way onto the stage. Gale manage to kill several other people before he was taken down by police.
In order to show their support for the singer, “Lamb of God” fans have started tweeting the hashtag #FreeRandyBlythe. You can sample some of their reactions to this story by having a look at the comments embedded below.
Randy hope u r ok.I have been sober this whole tour.1st sober tour ever.U r an inspiration.Thx 4 your help @downloadfest#FreeRandyBlythe
IF you rush the stage & are pushed back twice & on the 3rd time hit your head–It’s on you. Everything changed Dec 8, 2004 #FreeRandyBlythe
That guy in Czech died because he was being unsafe and disobeyed the security of the event, NOT because Randy pushed him #FREERANDYBLYTHE
Randy Blythe is by far of the best human beings we have worked with and we sincerely hope he is out soon #freerandyblythe
Seriously? They waited 2 years to arrest him? No attempts at extradition or proper explanation of charges? Messed up! #FreeRandyBlythe