LAist read today on Billboard.com that metal band Lamb of God has been denied their spot on the LA date of the Subliminal Versus Tour, scheduled for April 9th at the Great Western Forum. The owners of the venue object to the band's original name—Burn the Priest—and have removed the band from the Los Angeles bill.
The church-owned (yet bank-named) Forum is one of the increasing number of large venues, formerly used to accomodate sporting events or other large gatherings, that are owned and operated by churches. Marc Little, counsel for the group that owns the Forum, says of this decision that the line has to be drawn somewhere.
Needless to say the band is less than pleased about the development, and drummer Chris Adler has the following statement posted on the band's website:
The "situation" in LA can only be described as ridiculous. It has already been a huge waste of energy trying to turn this around. The powers that be are not interested budging - or doing their research apparently - and we have never been a band to placate anyone to get our way, smooth things over or make anyone feel better. They have made it clear that they do not want us because of our name, our show and our crowd - because of that ignorance, LAMB OF GOD is not being permitted to appear on the Subliminal Verses Concert in LA. It is truly a shame for the show overall, especially for our friends and fans in LA that are being forced to miss our part of the show. Trust that this was not our decision, we would love to kick some ass in LA, but apparently the word from the powers that be is that LAMB OF GOD is not the wholesome family fun that the good people of Los Angeles deserve.
To make up for the cancelled appearance, the band is seeking to schedule shows at alternate venues around LA. The other bands on the tour, including Slipknot and Shadows Fall, will still appear at the Forum on the scheduled date.
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