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The arrest of Randy Blythe of Lamb of God in connection with the death of a fan that occurred just over two years ago at one of their concerts in the Czech Republic
By Gilberto Morais
Hello friends!
The title above, besides being from Exodus' first live album, already defined well what the mosh pit should be at Metal shows. Something "violent" but in a good way, for pure fun and without harming or injuring anyone, because that is the purpose, fun above all else, and we are, or should be, one and respect the integrity of others, taking care of them.
I never tire of seeing people here, or even in unsuccessful stage dives, making space for the victim to recover or, in more serious cases, to receive immediate medical attention and recuperate.
The reason for this introduction is related to the case of Randy Blythe's arrest from Lamb of God following the death of a fan that occurred just over two years ago at one of their shows in the Czech Republic. The death was allegedly due to an assault by the vocalist, or perhaps a botched stage dive, or even the collaboration of security and Randy himself, who may have used less force to push the fan back into the audience.
The fact is that, after reading several versions, I cannot and will not be able to say for sure what actually happened, because the versions are conflicting.
Several videos have been released in an attempt to accuse and defend the parties involved, but it's impossible to reach a true verdict.
At least, I don't have enough evidence to say, in my opinion, who was wrong at the time, and I detest this neutral, fence-sitting position, as it's not in my nature. I always have clear convictions.
In the event of a stage invasion, the fan must be fully aware of several factors that could compromise their own safety and security:
There are clubs and venues that are friendly to this practice and others that are not, therefore, it is necessary to assess beforehand whether or not to practice stage diving.
Those houses that have fences and barricades clearly demonstrate that they are against this, and the fact that the fence has an empty space is a significant risk of something going wrong and the person getting hurt.
Never get too close to the stage. Both bands and security guards become wary of fans who get on stage and especially those who go all out against a band member. This triggers self-defense, and even if the person doesn't intend to hurt anyone but simply interact, they often end up worse off.
If you're going to hug your idol, make slow movements and wait for them to be receptive, because if they show they aren't, don't even get close.
Understand that the venue might be okay with stage diving, but a particular artist hates it, and they have every right to feel that way; after all, the stage is their workplace and their safe space.
And look to the crowd as well, whether in circle pits, mosh pits, or the wall of death, to have fun and get excited, but not with the intention of hurting your partner in the circle.
And help anyone who falls, and as soon as you notice it, signal for people to avoid that area, and if it's nothing serious, help your companion get up and continue enjoying the show.
Regarding the Randy Blythe incident, just to conclude, I think that if he punched the fan as a witness claimed, that wouldn't have been enough to cause a brain hemorrhage and death, a fact also supported by this witness.
If it was the push, which to me is clear that the security guard used considerable force and Randy used much less, it was an accident that, as I said, everyone who goes on stage is subject to and should be aware of the risk.
Finally, I don't know if they're trying to extort the vocalist, but it seems prudent to detain him until the facts are properly investigated, proving his guilt or innocence in the case.
I don't think he should be released, as band members are releasing statements of support, many of which even sound somewhat corporatist. Until everything is clear and his guilt is proven, he should, like any citizen, pay for his mistake. I don't think he's a murderer, but in law there's the issue of negligence (when there's no intent) and intent (when there is intent), but in both cases a crime is committed. Even if it was a mere accident, if negligence is proven and not intent, I don't think it's valid to imprison him, but rather to apply alternative penalties, including encouraging campaigns to discourage young people from invading stages so that the risks of these types of accidents decrease.
Once his innocence is proven, then let Randy Blythe be released and let him take legal action against the accusations he is facing.
Until next time!
And remember: Good Friendly, Violent Fun. Mosh. Stage Diving, Wall of Death, always with awareness. Just like safe sex!
*This text was written by a Wikimate and does not necessarily represent the opinions of the site's authors.
Click here to see other texts by WikiBrother Gilberto Morais.
