Metallica Concert Organisers Arrested
Riots ensue after India concert is deemed unsafe at the last minute on Friday
Metallica were due to play in Delhi on Friday night as part of the build up to the inaugural Formula 1 race in the city. However, after a security barrier in front of the stage apparently collapsed the band cancelled the concert and issued a statement that they were "notified that there was a serious question as to whether the show could proceed with regard to the safety of the concert audience".
"And our first and foremost concern is always for the safety of you, the fans," they said.
"Once we, along with DNA, the promoters of the show, determined that there was a failure of a security barricade in front of the stage that could not be adequately repaired, the promoter reluctantly announced the postponement of the show until Saturday.
"Unfortunately, on such short notice the promoters were unable to secure a permit for a show on Saturday."
Up to around 25,000 fans were already at the venue on Friday when the show was cancelled, and a few dozen angry concert-goers stormed the stage to trash the equipment and stage set.
According to Hennemusic several of the concert organisers were arrested after the police said they had received several complaints after the show was cancelled; they allege that the organizers sold more tickets than capacity and that they were never informed before the cancellation was announced. The organizers had publicly cited "technical reasons" for scrapping Friday's gig.
Metallica did play their first ever gig in India in Bangalore last night - the second of their two scheduled dates - with a sold out show in front of 25000 fans. However, the trip wasn't quite as triumphant as the band or fans had hoped after months of build up.