Lamb of God singer arrested, charged with manslaughter following fan death
Randy Blythe, best known as the front-man of American metal band Lamb of God
17:56 02 July 2012
Randy Blythe, best known as the front-man of American metal band Lamb of God, has been arrested in conjunction with a fan's death at one of the band's concerts.
The incident occurred in the Czech Republic two years ago. Blythe's arrest was issued at an airport in Prague.
Police spokeswoman Jana Rosslerova told the Associated Press that Blythe has been charged with "committing bodily harm resulting in death". If convicted of manslaughter, the musician could face 5-10 years of behind bars.
In 2010, a 19-year-old fan allegedly tried to get up on stage repeatedly while the band played prompting Blythe to push him down, badly hitting the concrete floor of the venue.
The incident took place at Prague's club Abaton on May 24th 2010, while Czech TV station Nova stated that the fan died 14 days later of his injuries.
Reportedly an autopsy discovered no evidence to prove that the fan was either drunk or under the influence of illegal narcotics, making Blythe's push - if proven - a significant factor in the death.
On Friday, Lamb of God's publicist issued a pre-statement: "LAMB OF GOD management will be issuing an official statement on Monday 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.
"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."
Lamb of God formed in Virginia in 1990 originally under the name Burn the Priest releasing a self-titled album in 1999. By 2000, they assumed the name Lamb of God and found solid reviews with their album 'New American Gospel' Four more albums followed in that decade with 2006's 'Sacrament' garnering a Grammy nomination. Their latest album, 'Resolution' was released in 2012.