What's with the increased frequency at which metal bands are being cancelled or outright banned lately over religious sentiments? A Watain show was recently cancelled in Singapore, Defiled had two shows cancelled in Malaysia, and now Sepultura's April 28 show in Beirut's Hamra district has been cancelled.
According to Albawaba, the country's officials believe Sepultura to be "devil worshippers" who are "insulting Christianity". Officials also claim they have video clips of Sepultura showing their support of Israel, which Albawaba says gives them sufficient grounds for cancellation "knowing that Lebanese laws put any person who previously had traveled to Israel or have Israeli Visa on his passport in danger of being arrested."
Blabbermouth points out that Sepultura has not played Israel before, but did shoot the music video for their 1993 track "Territory" both there and Palestine. Sepultura's tour will continue on April 30 in Turkey.