Yesterday the NME reported on a somewhat chaotic end to Wednesday’s Brian Jonestown Massacre gig.
The show is said to have come to an abrupt conclusion after an argument broke out between lead singer Anton Newcombe and guitarist Frankie Emerson.
After police were called and rumours of knife injuries sustained by Emerson began to circulate, the label and management of the band today released a statement announcing that no such events occurred.
The statement read as follows:
“There was no knife or knives involved in any shape or form in this incident. The cuts to Frankie Emerson were caused by some glass splinters.
“Emerson’s injuries were superficial to his arm and stomach and he was treated at the Royal Free Hospital in London. These injuries were caused by horseplay by the band in their own changing room after the gig.”
Whether or not the injuries were caused by glass or "horseplay" is still up for debate as the announced remains somewhat shady with these details.
“Anton Newcombe was questioned at Kentish Police Station to help the police with their enquiries and was released with no charge or caution. Frankie Emerson did not press any charges on Anton Newcombe.
“Any comments by anyone within or outside the media to the contrary are completely false. The band will continue with their successful European tour.”
The London Forum gig on July 16th may have started well but it soon descended into some pretty laughable scenes inner-band dysfunction.
Apparently an inebriated Emerson swung a microphone in a fit of showmanship and damaged it during the evening.
Newcombe reacted by telling him, in front of the crowd, that he would have to pay for the broken equipment to which Emerson responded by sarcastically blasting "testing, one two, one two" into the mic before the band’s encore.
Drummer Joel Gion attempted to settle matters by saying goodnight to the crowd but Emerson trumped up again shouting: “Don't shut front of house man, you fucker.”
After returning to complete the encore the alleged confrontation took place backstage, and police were called to diffuse the situation. No arrests were made and the band is continuing on their UK tour.
A label spokesman played down the incident, declaring: “These things do happen on tour when the band are tired and been away from home too long.”
Brian Jonestown Massacre video to ‘When Jokers Attack’ can be watched below:
This news story can be found on the Quietus with other pieces by Dean Samways.
Words: Dean Samways
Image: the Quietus
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