American doom metal band Pentagram has called off their upcoming Australia and New Zealand tour, leaving fans disappointed. The band hailing from Virginia was gearing up for their first-ever visit to the region in August, with shows lined up in major cities like Canberra, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Wellington, Christchurch, and Auckland.
Hardline Media, the promoters of the tour, made an official statement explaining the sudden cancellation. They cited unspecified allegations surrounding the band as the reason for putting the tour on hold. Notably, no visas had been issued, and the venues and staff involved were not implicated in the allegations. Ticket holders were assured that they would be contacted directly with further information as the situation developed.
Pentagram, recognized alongside Candlemass, Saint Vitus, and Trouble as part of the elite “big four” of doom metal, has a storied history. Frontman Bobby Liebling, often likened to the “American Ozzy,” has garnered a strong following but has also courted controversy over the years.
In a previous incident in 2017, Liebling faced legal troubles after being arrested and charged with assault and abuse against his elderly mother. Despite pleading guilty to certain charges, the band decided to continue touring without Liebling, attributing the decision to circumstances beyond their control resulting from his actions.
Adding to the band’s tumultuous reputation, several opening acts, including Wax Idols and King Woman, had withdrawn from their tour lineup in the past, citing inappropriate behavior and comments by Liebling as the primary reason for their departure.
Rolling Stone AU/NZ sought further clarification from the tour promoters regarding the cancellation, shedding light on the complexities surrounding Pentagram’s abrupt tour pullout and the implications for their fan base.
While the exact nature of the allegations remains undisclosed, the music community eagerly awaits updates on the situation and potential future developments involving Pentagram. The band’s loyal followers and industry insiders are left contemplating the impact of these events on their reputation and future endeavors.
As the doom metal genre continues to evolve and attract a dedicated fan base globally, incidents like this serve as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by bands navigating personal controversies while striving to maintain their artistic integrity and fan support.
With the fate of Pentagram’s Australia and New Zealand tour hanging in the balance, the music world watches closely to see how the band and its management address the fallout from these allegations and whether they can regain their footing in the wake of this unforeseen setback.
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