Knotfest Mexico canceled for safety issues, fans set fire to equipment
Slipknot were set to headline last night’s Knotfest in Mexico City but were forced to cancel along with Evanescence due to a broken barricade.
The stage barricade broke during Behemoth‘s set and after a number of failed attempts to fix it, the show had to be cancelled.
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Both Slipknot and Evanescence have released statements regarding the situation which you can see below.
“Because of a broken barricade and failed attempts to fix it, Slipknot were forced to cancel our performance last night. Safety — especially the safety of our fans and fellow bands — is priority number one. We apologize profusely and hope you all understand. If anything were to happen to any of you, we wouldn’t forgive ourselves. Also, if we could have fixed the barricade correctly, we would have gone on stage. Again, we hope you all understand and we will try to make it up to you as soon as we can,” Slipknot wrote.
#KnotfestMexico pic.twitter.com/Sxo9Ot5pol
— Slipknot (@slipknot) December 1, 2019
The band are providing an updated statement about the situation today, explaining they won’t be able to make up for the cancellation due to the destroyed equipment.
“Due to unforeseen circumstances, Slipknot were not able to perform at last night’s Knotfest.
Security barricades became an issue, and it was decided that for the safety of the fans, neither Slipknot or special guests Evanescence could take the stage.
We had hoped to be able to perform today, but regrettably, a situation arose onstage after the cancellation that damaged or destroyed gear that would have been necessary to play.
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We are extremely disappointed that we did not get the chance to perform, but the safety of our fans and our community is our biggest priority. We will look to get back to Mexico sometime in the future.”
#KnotfestMexico pic.twitter.com/pmS2uT2gDV
— Slipknot (@slipknot) December 1, 2019
Evanescence also commented on the destruction of their gear saying they do not view it as a representation of their Mexican fans.
Video footage shows fans setting a drum kit owned by Evanescence on fire in the crowd after rushing the stage. Security also does not appear to be present in the videos going around.
#Knotfest @KNOTFEST in Mexico… “Fans” destroyed a barrier so Evanescenxe and Slipknot didn’t perform due to safety issues. Crowd then rushed the stage and destroyed #Evanescence‘s equipment. Here is Will’s drums on fire. Disgusting…. https://t.co/vaGHt3NzqN
— ANYwhereBUThome (@Xx__Anywhere13) December 1, 2019
Paso esto despues de que slipknot y evanescence anunciaban que cancelaban su participacion pic.twitter.com/x7aCATxBZH
— Gabmetal (@Gabriel32462200) December 1, 2019
I can’t fucking believe people… https://t.co/wk6sVfsXDY
— Dani (@MrsTimMcCord) December 1, 2019
The promoter, Live Talent, are also releasing a statement which you can see below along with a rough English translation. The festival is running alongside Force Fest which is still happening today. According to their statement, Phil Anselmo and The Illegals are pulling out of the event. The band have not provided a statement of their own as of now regarding the cancellation.
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“Live Talent regrets the decisions made yesterday night in conjunction with Slipknot for security reasons.
Shock groups detected within the festival caused cracks in the barricade of the preferred area, putting at risk the safety of the attendees. This decision was made fully based on the safety of the public assistant.
We are working together with Slipknot to be able to inform you of the information regarding the new Slipknot date in Mexico as well as the details for those who request reimbursement.
Likewise, we inform you that people who have a ticket from Saturday can attend the event by presenting it in the income.
Today’s Sunday will take place from 3:00 p.m. with the presence of all the bands announced except for Phil Anselmo.
The barricades and security personnel have been rewound so that the assistances can enjoy a day full of rock.”
What do you think of Knotfest Mexico being cancelled? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
