A US venue has been forced to defend its decision to host a performance later this year from controversial metal band As I Lay Dying.
Back in 2013, As I Lay Dying frontman Tim Lambesis made headlines around the world after he was arrested and charged with soliciting a murder, having attempted to hire a hitman to kill his estranged wife.
These charges soon led to Lambesis pleading guilty and being sentenced to six years in prison, before being released on parole in late 2016.
While As I Lay Dying were on hiatus between 2014 and 2017, the group have since become active once again and have been performing shows throughout the US and Europe.
However, while Lambesis issued a statement in 2017 to both apologise for his actions, and express his desire to move on, performances from As I Lay Dying have been met with expected backlash from a number of fans around the world.
As The Boston Herald reports, the group’s upcoming November performance at The House Of Blues has been met with criticism from many commenters blasting the venue for hosting the band given Tim Lambesis’ history.
“The singer of this band was CONVICTED of trying to hire someone to kill his wife,” wrote one user on the venue’s Facebook page. “Know who you are supporting.”
In response to the backlash, a spokesperson for Boston’s House Of Blues issued a statement to explain that while the concert will take place as scheduled, it is up to audiences to make the decision about whether or not they wish to attend.
“Though staff and management may not agree with particular performers appearing at our venues, ticket buyers have the right to purchase tickets or not purchase tickets,” a spokesperson explained.
As Blabbermouth points out, a number of planned performances from As I Lay Dying have been cancelled due to Lambesis’ history, including Spain’s Resurrection Fest and a show in Memphis earlier this year.
“While we believe in the justice system and the ability for rehabilitation, we are against domestic violence and will always listen to those that have gone through the pain that it has caused,” Memphis venue Growlers explained back in February.
“Growler’s vehemently denounces all forms of physical and mental domestic abuse, and we’ll be replacing the As I Lay Dying show with a benefit show featuring all local bands. 100% of the proceeds will go to helping local victims of domestic abuse.”
As I Lay Dying are set to release Shaped By Fire – their first studio album in seven years – this September, and there is currently no word as to when they will attempt to plot their first Australian tour since 2011.
Check out ‘Redefined’ by As I Lay Dying:
