The performances by the bands Slaughter To Prevail and Behemoth in Istanbul, Turkey, have been officially cancelled after local authorities claimed the events were “incompatible with social values”.
The governor of Istanbul, Davut Gül, stated on social media that "no activity that corrupts society in Istanbul has ever been allowed until today, and it will not be allowed in the future either," supporting the decision to ban the concerts scheduled for February 10th and 11th, as well as prohibiting all paid events in the city for two days.
An official press release from the governor's office (via The PRP ) cited Articles 17 and 22 of Law No. 2911 on Assemblies and Demonstrations and Article 32/C of Law No. 5442 on Provincial Administration, which impose a two-day ban on all concerts, festivals, and ticketed events at Zorlu PSM and Zorlu Center, from 00:01 on February 10 to 23:59 on February 11.
The cancellation occurred after conservative groups and media outlets criticized the bands. A Turkish broadcaster described Slaughter To Prevail as "preachers of Satanism and thieves of the faith of young people" and said that Behemoth "shamelessly opposes religion with their satanic attire" [via Metal Injection ].
What Slaughter To Prevail and Behemoth say
Alex Terrible , lead singer of Slaughter To Prevail, refuted the allegations in a video on social media, rejecting any association with satanic practices.
“Furthermore, we are not satanic. We are a brutal death metal band. I, personally, will go to Valhalla after I die. Our guitarist, @thegrebfather, will probably go to hell, as he is an Orthodox Christian. People of Turkey, I love you and respect your country and your religious beliefs. But don't call me satanic.”
Behemoth said in a statement on social media that they regret the cancellation of the scheduled shows in Istanbul and Ankara, stating that they exhausted all attempts at negotiation, but that the decision of the local authorities was final.
Behemoth criticized what they called the "use of ideology to limit artistic freedom" and stated that music does not represent a threat, but that censorship should concern those who defend freedom of expression. The band apologized to Turkish fans, acknowledged the audience's frustration, and expressed their desire to return to the country in the future without interference.
“Despite having exhausted all possibilities throughout the day and having participated in extensive discussions, the decision of the local authorities remains final. There is simply nothing more we can do to reverse it […] This is yet another example of how ideology can be used to suppress artistic expression and restrict cultural freedom. Behemoth has always defended creative independence and the right of artists to express themselves without censorship. Music is not a threat, but silencing it should concern anyone who values freedom of expression,” the band said in a statement.
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