Venom Prison Drop Off Planned European Tour with Decapitated
With Decapitated still in jail in Los Angeles — potentially for a while — and their future uncertain, Venom Prison have decided to pull out of their planned fall European tour with the Polish death metallers.
While Venom Prison’s statement regarding the matter is careful to reserve judgment for due process in the court of law, they’ve also made it clear that the nature of the allegations against Decapitated played a part in their decision to leave the tour in addition to the practical issue of whether Decapitated will even be able to do it.
Beyond that, there isn’t much to say that Venom Prison’s statement doesn’t address. As of press time, the tour’s other two bands — King Parrot and Thy Disease — have not commented.
Here is Venom Prison’s statement, via Facebook:
“It is with great dismay that Venom Prison is opting to pull out of our scheduled dates in the UK with Decapitated. As you are no doubt aware, the members of Decapitated were arrested on Saturday, 9th September in Santa Ana, California.
“It is no secret that Venom Prison are opposed to rape and sexual assault, the band continue to advocate women’s rights and bring attention to the many serious issues which continue to plague the extreme music genres.
“Venom Prison would like to stress that everyone is entitled to a fair trial – via the appropriate legal channels, not just via social media – and Decapitated remain respected musicians until proven otherwise. In addition, we would state that the burden of proof in any criminal matter, at least in the UK, is that of beyond all reasonable doubt, that 99% what is alleged to have happened did happen. On that basis, until an individual is convicted, we are not in a position to comment on the present allegations.
“It is imperative that we state that we don’t believe these things ‘just happen’, so regardless as to the extent of the allegations, inevitably situations such as the one Decapitated have found themselves in, more often do than don’t involve some degree of inappropriate behaviour.
“As above, we have not made any effort to hide our views on what we see as an issue that is becoming more and more visible, an unfortunate ugliness that continues to spread. On that basis, we apologise to anyone who has already purchased tickets specifically to see Venom Prison, and whilst we would ask that you reserve your judgment, Venom Prisonwill not be performing at the scheduled dates.
“Furthermore, we have opted to donate £200 to Rape Crisis England & Wales. We hope that you will continue to raise awareness to issues such as rape and sexual assault, in music and anywhere, we must continue to take a stand and as long as Venom Prison is a band, we will continue to resist censorship and make our feelings known.
“We thank you for your continued support.”
[via The PRP]
