Metal Anarchy

Recently it was revealed that Hellfest would be losing a €20,000 grant, due to their refusal to remove Down from their lineup, after French senator and President of the General Council of the Vendée, Bruno Retailleau wanted the band removed, due to Phil Anselmos’ recent “white power” salute. Festival organizer Ben Barbaud then fired back with an open letter about the situation claiming that Retailleau was just using the Anselmo controversy as a front for his true intentions. Now Anselmo has wrote his own letter to Barbaud saying that he doesn’t think he should perform at any European festivals this year.

Anselmo said the following:

“Dearest Ben–

Philip H. Anselmo here Brother…
First, and foremost, there is NO WAY I can possibly thank you enough for “fighting the good fight” for me, and ALL of my bands, namely Down in this instance. Your love & backbone will never be forgotten, and from this point on through the rest of my fighting life, I owe you every ounce of praise!

My AWFUL mistake has taken a toll on my reputation, and justly so! However I must point out, you damned-well KNOW ME better than this drunken incident could ever describe.
Hellfest is my heart!!!

And my embarrassment is tremendous, because I only have LOVE for people all over this skirmishing earth.
So my brother, it fucking rips my heart into further pieces to let you know, I don’t think I should do ANY Euro festivals this year.
So PLEASE I BEG YOU, give me this time to get my brain clear, and to come back (if you will have me back) next year my brother, I implore you!

Plus, the re-emergence of the knee injuries have been plaguing me of late as well, so I must address this too, through physical rehabilitation & rest.

Knowing my character, when I put my mind to something THIS DIRE, I come back 100-times better, and THAT’S what the Mighty Hellfest deserves!!!

My love for you & the rest of the gang that makes Hellfest THE TOPS, goes on and on and on…
Much love & respect-

Philip H. Anselmo (and the H. stands for HEALING)”

Puscifer will now take Down’s spot at Hellfest.