Randy Blythe, Lamb of God’s frontman, has released a statement concerning his arrest in Prague, Czech Republic, over the charge of manslaughter. During a Lamb of God’s concert at the Club Abaton in Prague in 2010, a fan jumped on stage, and was allegedly pushed back into the crowd by Blythe, getting injured and dying as a result two weeks later.

After spending around five weeks in a Czech prison, the musician has now returned to the U.S.. His full statement reads:

“Greetings. This is D. Randall Blythe, checking in from my beloved hometown of Richmond, Virginia, United States of America. I was recently released on bail from Pankrác Prison in Prague, Czech Republic, after over a month of incarceration. Now that I am out for the moment, I would like to say a few things.

“While in prison, I had minimal knowledge of how my case was viewed anywhere but the Czech Republic. I was told by my attorney that I had a lot support from peers in the music industry, my hometown, fans, and, of course, my family. I cannot express how emotional it made me upon my release to read about even a fraction of the voices that were raised on my behalf. From legends in my music community, to fans across the world, and even people who were previously unaware of my existence but sympathized with my plight — I am truly humbled.

I cannot thank you enough for your thoughts and prayers. I would especially like to thank the people of Richmond, Virginia, for standing by me. In the 48 hours I have been home, many people I have never met before have stopped me on the street, waved and smiled as I passed by, or said hello in a restaurant. All have said, ‘We are glad you are home, Randy.’ You all make me proud and grateful that I call Richmond home.

“I would like state that I suffered no abuse, from either authorities or inmates, during my incarceration in Pankrác. I received no special treatment, and was in general population with everyone else. Make no mistake, it was prison, not some celebrity-rehab TV show. But I was treated fairly by the guards and kindly by my fellow inmates.

“People are dying of starvation all over the world. Men and women are losing their lives daily in the Middle East and other war-torn regions. I had food, clothes, shelter, and no one was trying to kill me. I cannot complain over a short stay in prison while many people elsewhere fight to survive on a daily basis. If it is deemed necessary for me to do so, I WILL return to Prague to stand trial. While I maintain my innocence 100%, and will do so steadfastly, I will NOT hide in the United States, safe from extradition and possible prosecution.

“As I write this, the family of a fan of my band suffers through the indescribably tragic loss of their child. They have to deal with constantly varying media reports about the circumstances surrounding his death. I am charged with maliciously causing severe bodily harm to this young man, resulting in his death. While I consider the charge leveled against me ludicrous and without qualification, my opinion makes no difference in this matter. The charge exists, and for the family of this young man, questions remain. The worst possible pain remains.

“It is fairly common knowledge amongst fans of my band that I once lost a child as well. I, unfortunately, am intimately familiar with what their pain is like. Therefore, I know all too well that in their time of grief, this family needs and deserves some real answers, not a media explosion followed by the accused killer of their son hiding like a coward thousands of miles away while they suffer.

“I am a man. I was raised to face my problems head on, not run from them like a petulant child. I hope that justice is done, and the family of Daniel N. will receive the closure they undoubtably need to facilitate healing. I feel VERY STRONGLY that as an adult, it would be both irresponsible and immoral for me not to return to Prague if I am summoned.

“This is not about bail money. This is about a young man who lost his life. I will act with honor, and I will fight to clear my good name in this matter.

“Thank you for reading this, and I wish you all peace.”

Image Courtesy of  black.stilettos

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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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