MANOWAR canceled its appearance at Hellfest just hours before they were slated to take the stage.
Below is the statement from the festival organizers:
“Despite a presence on site on June 20, the teams and members of the group decided to leave the site.
“The MANOWAR concert, scheduled Friday, June 21, will not take place for reasons beyond our will.
“We are sincerely sorry for all MANOWAR fans and more widely for all the fans attending Hellfest.”
Manowar immediately responded to the statement from the organizers:
“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 comes 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.”
A number of fans expressed their anger and disappointment to the cancelation, with some saying they had traveled from other countries to see MANOWAR perform.
A fan named Michael Pearson commented on Facebook:
“I came from South America to Hellfest this year largely because MANOWAR were headlining. Seeing them at Hellfest 10 years ago was one of the best shows of my life and I’ve been a fan for over 20. I couldn’t have been more excited and now more disappointed that these divas have thrown their toys out of their pram and screwed over thousands of fans for the last show on their last tour. MANOWAR are not kings of metal riding into battle, they are the real wimps and posers that left the hall.”
1 comment
Well, it’s got me beat. Two sides, each claim the other was at fault. I guess only time will tell.