Down werden 2016 keine Shows auf europäischen Festivals spielen. In einem offenen Brief an den Veranstalter des Hellfest erklärt Frontmann Phil Anselmo, er wolle dieses Jahr seinen Kopf klar bekommen:
"My AWFUL mistake has taken a toll on my reputation, and justly so! [...] I don't think I should do ANY Euro festivals this year. So PLEASE, I BEG YOU, give me this time to get my brain clear [...]. Er müsse sich zudem um erneut aufgetretene Kniebeschwerden kümmern: "Plus, the re-emergence of the knee injuries have been plaguing me of late as well, so I must address this too, through physical rehabilitation and rest."
Das französische Festival HELLFEST hatte sich im Vorfeld geweigert, DOWN aufgrund des Nazigruß-Vorfalls von Anselmo aus dem Lineup zu streichen.
Hier die komplette Nachricht von Phil:
Das französische Festival HELLFEST hatte sich im Vorfeld geweigert, DOWN aufgrund des Nazigruß-Vorfalls von Anselmo aus dem Lineup zu streichen.
Hier die komplette Nachricht von Phil:
"Dearest Ben, Philip H. Anselmo here, brother... First, and foremost, there is NO WAY I can possibly thank you enough for 'fighting the good fight' for me, and ALL of my bands, namely DOWN in this instance. Your love and backbone will never be forgotten, and from this point on through the rest of my fighting life, I owe you every ounce of praise!
"My AWFUL mistake has taken a toll on my reputation, and justly so! However I must point out, you damned well KNOW ME better than this drunken incident could ever describe.
"Hellfest is my heart!!!
"And my embarrassment is tremendous, because I only have LOVE for people all over this skirmishing earth.
"So, my brother, it fucking rips my heart into further pieces to let you know, I don't think I should do ANY Euro festivals this year.
"So PLEASE, I BEG YOU, give me this time to get my brain clear, and to come back (if you will have me back) next year my brother, I implore you! Plus, the re-emergence of the knee injuries have been plaguing me of late as well, so I must address this too, through physical rehabilitation and rest.
"Knowing my character, when I put my mind to something THIS DIRE, I come back 100 times better, and THAT'S what the mighty Hellfest deserves!!!
"My love for you and the rest of the gang that makes Hellfest THE TOPS goes on and on and on...
"Much love & respect – Philip H. Anselmo (and the H. stands for HEALING)"
Quelle: blabbermouth.com
