Randy Blythe, frontman of the heavy metal band from Virginia Lamb of God, was arrested on June 28 in Prague, Czech Republic, accused of manslaughter. The arrest happened shortly before the concert scheduled by Lamb of God at the Hard Rock Cafe. Lamb of God was touring promoting the recently released album “Resolution.”

After a court hearing which took place on June 29, Blythe has supposedly been released on a $200,000 bail and is forbidden to leave the country. Although the news of his release has circulated over the web, Blythe is still in prison and will be staying behind bars for at least ten more days loudwire.com reported, referring to the Czech website Blesk.cz as the information source. Further clarification on the matter is expected.

The accusation of manslaughter refers to an episode that occurred in May 2010, when during a Lamb of God concert at the Club Abaton in Prague, a man supposedly jumped on stage, and was allegedly pushed back to the crowd by Blythe where he was injured and died two weeks later.  The statement from the local police reads “We have arrested the singer and charged him with the crime of bodily harm of 4th degree and resulting in the death of the fan.”

The reaction on part of the Lamb of God representatives is incorporated into the statements released by spokesperson Maria Ferrero. Right after the arrest Ferrero said Blythe was “wrongfully accused;” she then added that the “lawyers are dealing with it, and we expect him to be fully exonerated”.

A further, more extensive, statement released subsequently, reads “Lamb Of God’s management will be issuing an official statement on Monday (July 2) regarding the charges made against singer Randy Blythe. 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. 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.”

She concluded with “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.”

The additional statement originally expected for July 2 has been postponed, and will be released later this week according to the band’s publicist.

As expected the news generated great interest among fans and the music scene in general. Fans are eager for more information to better understand the real situation. The other band members, who have now returned to the United States, explained they won’t be giving any further details on the situation for the moment, although they are currently showing their personal support to their band mate. Guitarist Mark Morton tweeted “Flooded with questions about Randy. I truly understand & appreciate your concern. But it would be irresponsible for me to comment on any of it.”

To support the cause, Ben Orum, guitarist of All Shall Perish, created a t-shirt (available via VIP Merch) reading “FREE RANDY,” whose selling profits will be entirely dedicated to Blythe’s legal defense.

Image Courtesy of  Lamb of God

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About the author

Veronica Cinti
Italian native, extremely passionate about music in general. Although she appreciates a wide variety of music genres, her strongest field of expertise is Rock music, Grunge and Punk among its styles. Contact the author: veronica.cinti@toonarimedia.com; Follow Veronica on Twitter: @VeronicaCinti

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