Slayer Cancel New Zealand Show in Wake of Mass Shooting

Slayer’s show in Christchurch, New Zealand last night (Sunday, March 17) was canceled in the wake of the terror attack Friday in which 50 people lost their lives while peacefully worshipping at two mosques.

Slayer fans are understandably upset as the show was set to be Slayer’s final performance in New Zealand ever. On one hand, the venue certainly can’t be faulted for canceling the show; tensions in the country are high, and carrying on with a concert featuring lyrics centered around war and death would’ve rubbed many the wrong way. On the other hand, a metal show is exactly the kind of release that the people of New Zealand need after days of horror, fear and tension, and metal fans have once again been unfairly labeled as aggressors. This is a tough one.

Vbase, the company that owns and operates the Horncastle Arena, made the decision to cancel the show at the urging of local police and city council, announcing the news via Facebook:

“Following advice from the Police and Christchurch City Council, Vbase has made the decision to cancel the Slayer concert which was due to take place at Horncastle Arena on Sunday 17 March.

“’The advice we have received is too compelling to ignore and we have made this decision in conjunction with the Police and Christchurch City Council. We understand fans may be disappointed, however, we feel that it is in the best interest for the safety and wellbeing of the public after the tragic events which unfolded across our city 24 hours ago.’ Tim Scandrett, Vbase Board Chairperson said.

“On behalf of Vbase our heartfelt deepest sympathies go out to all the families affected by the recent tragedy.”

In a separate post, Vbase revealed that former employee Hussein Al-Umari was among those killed in the shooting.

On behalf of everyone at MetalSucks, we send strength and hope to all the people of New Zealand currently suffering through this tragedy.

[via Kerrang!]