If you found yourself in the middle of France today waiting for Manowar to perform at Hellfest, you'll be waiting for quite a while. That's because the band pulled out of their headlining performance today and according to festival organizers, it was at the last minute. Here is Hellfest's statement, putting the blame onto the loin-clothed band:
“Despite an on-site presence on Thursday 20 June, the teams and members of the Manowar band decided to leave the festival site.
“The concert of the artist Manowar scheduled this Friday, June 21 will not be possible for reasons beyond our control.
“We are sincerely sorry for all the fans of this artist and more broadly for all the fans of Hellfest.”
Naturally, Manowar offered their own statement, and wouldn't you know it, they blame the festival:
“After 18 months of tireless work and preparation we arrived at the Hellfest site yesterday, ready to play today.
“The Hellfest organizers obstructed our efforts to put on the epic show we had promised.
“Despite what you may hear or read, the Hellfest organizers did have control over the circumstances that prevented our performance.
“We always have and always will fight to give our fans 100%.
“Our French fans and press know, if Manowar come to France and are unable to perform, the fault does not lie with us. Remember the Élysée Montmartre.
“We are very sorry that you are being made to suffer. We want you to know that everything we do is for our fans. We stand together with all of you as we always have, and we will not allow anyone to lessen the quality of our shows.
“Be very sure the truth will come out!
“Thank you to the Greatest Fans In The World for your continued loyalty and support.”
MetalSucks points out that Élysée Montmartre is a French venue, but its significance to this story is unknown. I am curious what exactly obstructed Manowar's "epic" performance. What could it have possibly been? Maybe the Hellfest promoters are so sick of Joey's shit that they'll speak up, or just not talk about it and move on.
Who do you think is to blame?
