Metal Anarchy

According to Stuff.co.nz, Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals‘ Christchurch and Auckland, New Zealand shows have been cancelled due to Anselmo‘s infamous “white power” chant and Nazi salute at the 2016 Dimebash. The country has been cracking down on racism and white supremacy following the horrific mosque shootings in Christchurch that left 50 people dead and 50 others wounded.

Promoter Ben Mulchin of Valhalla Touring issued a lengthy statement, which in part said:

“I completely agree over not forgetting or ignoring Phil’s vile, deplorable actions and words in 2016 nor his pandering to a crowd in the 1990’s. He can’t take what happened back, no one can with those actions and words. There is no excuse. When his band offered to tour here I did have to soul search. Did his apologies seem earnest? Did he fully comprehend his hateful display? Were his actions and words from his heart in his apologies, or was his shameful display really who he is? Importantly did he as a prominent figure in metal take responsibility on how his actions can embolden and encourage others to hate? I think this last thought is pretty important in the current situation.

I’ve looked at this tour on a number of occasions, before booking it, during and obviously now. I can’t honestly say what is in someone’s heart I don’t know personally but I feel that Phil is of a respectful loving nature. His apologies were sincere and he has rightly suffered from his actions. Phil is someone who a large number of metal fans/bogans look up to and I believe it is extremely important that he show empathy and compassion regarding the tragedy in Christchurch. To be honest I hope if he plays he will renounce bigotry and the horrific inhuman acts and that this will make an impression on people that all humans are equal. He is a powerful figure that could really influence people for the better.

I am currently discussing with all parties on how we will proceed. Something good have to come from this tour if it’s going ahead in the next few weeks. On a personal note, I am not looking forward to traveling to Christchurch nor hosting a loud intense concert but I do believe in music as a healing power. We discussed on Saturday donating all profits, and $5 per ticket to the families involved with the tragedies.”