Randy Blythe’s Emotional Plea To Metal Fans
Randy Blythe has posted a long letter reflecting on the death of Daniel Nosek, and urges other bands to be strict with venue owners about safety.
Nosek died at a Lamb of God show in 2010, and Blythe was accused of manslaughter. He was acquitted after a legal battle in the Czech Republic.
Blythe starts by describing the difficulties he and his legal team faced while trying to describe the atmosphere and nature of metal shows, before describing the dignified behaviour of Nosek’s family in court:
“They never wished me ill, either publicly or privately. They did not smear my name in front of any judge, prosecutor, or police officer, did not stare at me malevolently in the court room. For this I am eternally grateful to them … It was one of the most amazing displays of strength and dignity I have ever witnessed.”
Blythe says he met with Nosek’s parents, and they asked him to be a spokesperson for safer metal shows. Blythe agreed, then goes on to demand that fans stay off the stage at their shows.
“If you are a fan coming to a Lamb of God show and are planning on stage diving, know that in no uncertain terms you are not welcome on our stage … absolutely no one is welcome on the stage if we have not invited you up there, and unless you are a small child or in a wheel chair, that is not likely to happen. Please respect this. If you do take the stage, we will immediately stop playing, you will be removed from the stage with great swiftness, and thrown out of the show with no refund, no questions asked.”
Blythe also warns against moshing and that you’re aware of the risks before you take part. “Also, for Pete’s sake, if you are moshing and someone falls down, PICK THEM UP. We have stopped shows before because people have been getting hurt, and we will do it again.
“If you want to crowd surf, know this – if someone drops you, you could die. Instantly … I did not know Daniel, but I have been told he was a good kid. Now he is dead. Gone. In a split second, he headed for his grave.”