Randy Blythe Not Guilty in Manslaughter Case

According to Blesk.cz and Novinky.cz, Lamb of God frontman Randy Blythe has been found not guilty of manslaughter by a three-judge panel in the Czech Republic.

Blythe was facing the possibility of conviction and a long-term jail sentence after a May 2010 incident in which a fan, Daniel Nosek, who attended a Lamb of God performance in Prague, died almost a month later, allegedly from injuries sustained when he was thrown off the stage.

“I have been found not guilty and acquitted of all charges against me," Randy wrote on his Instagram account. "I am a free man.

"Please remember the family of Daniel Nosek in your thoughts and prayers in this difficult time. I only wish for them peace. Thank you for your support."

Tuesday's ruling by Prague's Municipal Court was confirmed by the court spokeswoman, Marketa Puci. The state prosecutors have announced their intention to appeal the verdict; they have eight days to put this in writing. Blythe is not required to pay any compensation to the victim's family.

This may not be the end of the proceedings, but definitely a victory for Randy... 

Randy Blythe Returns to Czech Court for Trial

Lamb of God frontman Randy Blythe has returned to the Czech Republic to stand trial on charges of manslaughter in the death of a fan at a Prague concert more than two years ago.

Blythe is facing the possibility of conviction and a long-term jail sentence after a 2010 incident in which a fan, Daniel Nosek, attending a Lamb of God show died almost a month later, allegedly from injuries sustained when he was thrown off the stage.

Blythe explained to the court that fans are normally prohibited from jumping on stage, but the Prague show was different. People climbed up on stage and found themselves standing next to band members.

According to the Blythe, Lamb of God never encouraged anyone to get up on stage and has security guards and barriers around the stage to prevent fans from getting up on stage and possibly bumping into the musicians. The club Abaton where the Lamb of God concert on May 24, 2010 took place was had inadequate security, according to Blythe, and there was general chaos on stage during the performance.

The parents of Daniel Nosek are demanding compensation of 10 million Czech Koruna (approximately $530,000).

The trial portion is set to take place this week, and should last around 4 to 5 days, then it will be up to a panel of judges to decide his ultimate fate in this matter. More Updates as they become available.

Grammys are Still Irrelevant to Metal

Today the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences has announced the nominees for this year’s “Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance” Grammy, and once again they have proven that metal means nothing in the realm of this awards gala. Having turned their nose up to the separate categories a few years ago, giving the award as much depth as the kiddie pool, now you can see which band who had the biggest name gets a nod from the academy voters.

The Nominees Are: 

• Anthrax, “I’m Alive”
• Halestorm, “Love Bites (So Do I)”
• Iron Maiden, “Blood Brothers [live from En Vivo]”
• Lamb of God, “Ghost Walking”
• Marilyn Manson, “No Reflection”
• Megadeth, “Whose Life (Is It Anyway?)”

I am pretty sure this award won't be on the broadcast. I would hope that Lamb of God gets the nod, with all of the turmoil going on in their camp today, but I assume that Iron Maiden will pick up the award, since everyone from Miley Cyrus to Lidsay Lohan wear their 'ironic' t-shirts. Maybe someday we will get an actual award from the...oh nevermind...

Randy Blythe Indicted for Manslaughter: Updated

According to Czech News site Novinsky.cz the state prosecutor's office officially filed charges against Randy Blythe, who is accused of killing a fan at a Lamb of God show in 2010. The court has three months to file a court date or to file for further investigation. Of course, Blythe had previously stated he would return to face any charges filed against him, he could face 5 to 10 years behind bars if convicted.

damn...

UPDATE: Statement from Lamb of God's manager Larry Mazer

After a three month investigation, the prosecutor in the Czech Republic has decided to move forward with an indictment of Randy Blythe on the charge of manslaughter with intent to cause bodily harm. Obviously, we intend to fight vigorously against these charges as we feel that in no way did Randy intend to cause bodily harm on the young fan who subsequently died from injuries sustained at the show. As he has stated previously, Randy intends to go to Prague to defend himself at trial.

While it is a tragedy that a Lamb of God fan died following a performance by the group, in no way do I feel that Randy did anything improper that led to the young man’s injuries and subsequent death. The price of a ticket to a show does not entitle audience members access to a band’s stage. In the years since the murder on stage of Dimebag Darrell Abbott, performers of all genres have had to become more guarded while performing in response to the dangers presented by fans trying to become part of the performance. We believe that Randy responded professionally to the numerous amount of fans rushing the stage that day, a number of them captured on videos that have been posted on the internet. We have testimony from the venue operator that acknowledges lax security and an improper barricade being used that evening. Numerous testimonies from fans also were contradictory as to the actions of the multiple fans that tried to access the stage 

At this point, all that the band, myself, and our lawyers can do is to present a defense and try to convince the panel of judges who will hear the case that Randy is innocent of all charges and that his name and reputation need to be cleared and that he be permitted to carry on with his life and career always mindful that a fan passed away after a Lamb of God performance.

Randy Blythe Issues First Statement Regarding Arrest

Randy Blythe was expected to make a statement after his return to the states late last week from his five week stint in a Prague jail. His statement to fans, that further shows he is a stand up guy, can be read below, welcome back Randy!

"Greetings. This is D. Randall Blythe, checking in from my beloved hometown of Richmond, VA, United States of America. I was recently released on bail from Pankrác Prison in Prague, Czech Republic, after over a month of incarceration. Now that I am out for the moment, I would like to say a few things. 

 1. While in prison, I had minimal knowledge of how my case was viewed anywhere but the Czech Republic. I was told by my attorney that I had a lot support from peers in the music industry, my hometown, fans, and of course my family. I cannot express how emotional it made me upon my release to read about even a fraction of the voices that were raised on my behalf. From legends in my music community, to fans across the world, and even people who were previously unaware of my existence but sympathized with my plight- I am truly humbled. I cannot thank you enough for your thoughts and prayers. I would especially like to thank the people of Richmond, VA, for standing by me. In the 48 hours I have been home, many people I have never met before have stopped me on the street, waved and smiled as I passed by, or said hello in a restaurant. All have said "We are glad you are home, Randy". You all make me proud and grateful that I call Richmond home. 

 2. I would like state that I suffered no abuse, from either authorities or inmates, during my incarceration in Pankrác. I received no special treatment, and was in general population with everyone else- make no mistake, it was prison, not some celebrity rehab tv show. But I was treated fairly by the guards and kindly by my fellow inmates. People are dying of starvation all over the world. Men and women are losing their lives daily in the Middle East and other war torn regions. I had food, clothes, shelter, and no one was trying to kill me. I cannot complain over a short stay in prison while many people elsewhere fight to survive on a daily basis. 

 3. If it is deemed necessary for me to do so, I WILL return to Prague to stand trial. While I maintain my innocence 100%, and will do so steadfastly, I will NOT hide in the United States, safe from extradition and possible prosecution. As I write this, the family of a fan of my band suffers through the indescribably tragic loss of their child. They have to deal with constantly varying media reports about the circumstances surrounding his death. I am charged with maliciously causing severe bodily harm to this young man, resulting in his death. While I consider the charge leveled against me ludicrous and without qualification, my opinion makes no difference in this matter. The charge exists, and for the family of this young man, questions remain. The worst possible pain remains. It is fairly common knowledge amongst fans of my band that I once lost a child as well. I, unfortunately, am intimately familiar with what their pain is like. Therefore, I know all too well that in their time of grief, this family needs and deserves some real answers, not a media explosion followed by the accused killer of their son hiding like a coward thousands of miles away while they suffer. I am a man. I was raised to face my problems head on, not run from them like a petulant child. I hope that justice is done, and the family of Daniel N. will receive the closure they undoubtably need to facilitate healing. I feel VERY STRONGLY that as an adult, it would be both irresponsible and immoral for me not to return to Prague if I am summoned. This is not about bail money. This is about a young man who lost his life. I will act with honor, and I will fight to clear my good name in this matter. Thank you for reading this, and I wish you all peace."

Lamb of God Making Tour Plans Again

The saga surrounding the incarceration on Randy Blythe has finally gotten some movement. Blythe has been released on bail now, and they are making plans.

A statement from their from their publicist Adrenaline PR:

"After five weeks in a prison in Prague in the Czech Republic, Randy Blythe has been released on bail and is returning to the United States.  

Although LAMB OF GOD has canceled their summer co-headline tour with DETHKLOK, the band has agreed to play the Knotfest shows on August 17th in Council Bluffs, Iowa and August 18th in Somerset, Wisconsin. The band is currently targeting October 26th as the start date for a U.S tour. 

Dates and cities will be released as soon as possible. Randy will be making a public statement discussing his time in Prague and thanking fans worldwide for their support in the next week."

Lamb of God Officially out of Dethklok tour

The ongoing saga of Randy Blythe and Lamb of God hits home with the latest announcement from their publicist Adrenaline PR. They released the following statement:

"Due to the continued incarceration of LAMB OF GOD singer Randy Blythe in the Czech Republic, the band's co-headline tour with DETHKLOK scheduled to begin August 1 in Seattle has been canceled. LAMB OF GOD regrets the decision but the uncertainty of Randy's release makes it impossible to carry on with the tour. Upon Randy's release, it is the band's intention to rebook a tour in the fall and at this time the band fully intends to participate in the Mayhem Cruise in December.

"LAMB OF GOD wishes to thank DETHKLOK, Adult Swim and GOJIRA for their support and patience as well as all of the promoters who had dates on the tour. Last but certainly not least, the band thanks all of the fans who bought tickets for the tour and who have been supportive of Randy and the band over the last month that Randy has been held in Prague. Without the fans, there is no LAMB OF GOD."

Randy Blythe Arrested in Czech Republic

According to the Czech news web site Novinky, vocalist Randy Blythe of Richmond, Virginia metallers LAMB OF GOD was arrested earlier today (Thursday, June 28) in the Czech Republic and charged with manslaughter over an incident that happened more than two years ago.

Blythe, 41, reportedly got into an altercation with a fan who had come on stage during the band's show at the Prague club Abaton in May 2010 and the fan later died of his injuries.

After the 2010 incident, those who know the band heard the intruder may have been struck with a microphone before the security team forced him from the stage, reports Richmond's TV station CBS-6.

When LAMB OF GOD arrived on Thursday to play a show at the Rock Café in Prague with SKELETONWITCH and ALL SHALL PERISH, the local police brought the musician in for questioning. LAMB OF GOD's appearance at the venue was canceled later in the day.

LAMB OF GOD's representatives have said that Blythe is wrongly accused and that they expect him to be fully exonerated.

Randy's brother, Mark Blythe, told CBS-6 that he's awaiting further details and said the charge is "bogus and outrageous and will be dropped immediately."

Mayhem Cruise to Set Sail

If there was one promotion that you would think did not stand a chance in hell, it probably would be the mixing of Metal and a cruise, but apparently it is the newest rage. First the 70,000 Tons of Metal  set sail a few years ago, then announced this year the Barge to Hell will set sail and now Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival is about to launch their own version.

Alluded to at the Golden God Awards show by Machine Head and now confirmed by our friends at Metal Insider the latest branded cruise will take place December 7-11th according to festival founder Kevin Lyman. Already-announced lineup of Lamb of God, Anthrax, Machine Head and Suicide Silence, Lyman mentioned there would be additional bands playing from Metal Blade, Sumerian, Roadrunner and Century Media. There will also be a film festival presented by Slipknot’s Clown and Fangoria. And Clown will also be curating a charity art show.

So metal heads, stock up on SPF 2500 and get ready for a long winter in the sea, now I just need to figure out where I can get the cash to go on one of these damn things...

Lamb Of God Singer Loves Breasts

I love breasts too, and we all need to pitch in to save them. Randy Blythe, lead singer of Lamb of God is helping to ensure we are taking care of one of the best commodities in the United States. Wearing a kilt and pink corpsepaint, he has raised nearly $5000 for Breast Cancer Research on a 60 mile walk. I know many survivors, I make a little light of it, but this is a really great thing he is doing...to see more of his adventures and follow him on twitter @lambvox