Why Did the Brian Jonestown Massacre Cancel Australian Tour Dates?
by P Nandhini
Updated Nov 24, 2023
Why Did the Brian Jonestown Massacre Cancel Australian Tour Dates?
The Brian Jonestown Massacre abruptly canceled the remaining dates of their Australian tour following a tumultuous incident during their performance at The Forum in Melbourne on November 21, 2023. The concert took a chaotic turn as tensions among band members, particularly between frontman Anton Newcombe and guitarist Ryan Van Kriedt, escalated to a physical altercation.
During the Melbourne show, arguments between Newcombe and Van Kriedt interrupted the set, leading to Newcombe publicly expressing his frustration. He stated, "He is only here to play resentments, not guitars. Party’s over, captain. There’s no music until you get to f*** (?) … we actually don’t need you. Go. Put my guitar down on the stage and think about what’s happening."
The situation further escalated when Newcombe struck Van Kriedt on the head with his guitar, sparking a stage brawl between the two. This incident was not an isolated one during the band's Australian tour. Prior shows in Hobart and Perth also experienced disruptions, with percussionist Joel Gion walking off stage during the Hobart concert on November 11, 2023, and a verbal altercation occurring between band members and the audience in Perth on November 15, 2023.
In the aftermath of the Melbourne concert, the band chose to cancel the remaining tour dates in Australia, including the final show scheduled at the University of Wollongong UniBar in New South Wales on November 24, 2023. The cancellation was officially attributed to "medical grounds," as stated on the venue's website.
However, no official statement was released by the band, and the tour promoter, Principal Entertainment, provided limited information, stating, "There is no official statement to share at this time." The incident in Melbourne and the subsequent cancellation of the tour have left fans and the public awaiting further details and clarification from The Brian Jonestown Massacre regarding the reasons behind the abrupt end of their Australian tour.
The Brian Jonestown Massacre Overview
The Brian Jonestown Massacre, an American musical project formed in San Francisco in 1990 by Anton Newcombe, has garnered attention not only for its music but also for the tumultuous dynamics among its members. The band's recent Australian tour, which was cut short due to an on-stage brawl between frontman Anton Newcombe and guitarist Ryan Van Kriedt, is the latest in a series of controversies surrounding the group.
Known for their indie and underground roots, The Brian Jonestown Massacre rose to prominence with their 1996 studio album, "Take It from the Man!" Their fourth studio album, "Their Satanic Majesties' Second Request," released in the same year, contains some of their most recognizable songs, such as "Anemone" and "No Come Down."
However, the band's career has been marked by internal conflicts, with incidents like the recent Melbourne brawl adding to a history that includes walkouts by band members and public disputes during performances. Despite the ongoing controversies, The Brian Jonestown Massacre's influence on the indie music scene remains noteworthy.
The band, with a discography encompassing 20 albums, five compilation albums, five live albums, 14 EPs, and 22 singles, has left an indelible mark on the music industry. Their erratic behavior, as showcased in the 2004 documentary "Dig!," has added an enigmatic layer to their persona. The cancellation of the Australian tour has left fans and the public intrigued, raising questions about the future of the band and the factors contributing to the internal strife within the group.
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Why Did the Brian Jonestown Massacre Cancel Australian Tour Dates? - FAQs
The tour cancellation resulted from a physical altercation between frontman Anton Newcombe and guitarist Ryan Van Kriedt during their Melbourne performance on November 21, 2023.
Tensions escalated on stage, with arguments interrupting the set, and Anton Newcombe hitting Ryan Van Kriedt on the head with his guitar, leading to a brawl between the two.
Yes, disruptions occurred in Hobart, where percussionist Joel Gion walked off stage, and in Perth, where a verbal altercation unfolded between band members and the audience.
The cancellation was officially attributed to "medical grounds," as stated on the venue's website for the University of Wollongong UniBar.
No, the band has not released an official statement regarding the Melbourne brawl or the tour cancellation.