Karuna Prithvi from DNA’s press department told Pollstar it’s difficult to explain what sparked the fuss because “it was all so quick.”
Prithvi says the company always has barriers in place for its shows and the problem was caused when fans broke through them. She said unruly fans “vandalized and destroyed” a lot of stage equipment, which meant it was impossible to fix it and get permission for a new show within 24 hours.
The episode casts a shadow on India’s ability to stage huge international acts, particularly as it followed the cancellation of a Bryan Adams show that had to be scrapped because the promoter couldn't get the necessary permits.
The Delhi police said the location for the show in the NSIC exhibition grounds at the Okhla industrial area in the south east of the city was not suitable.
Metallica promptly released a statement on Friday, saying the band “were notified that there was a serious question as to whether the show could proceed with regard to the safety of the concert audience. And our first and foremost concern is always for the safety of you, the fans. Once we, along with DNA, the promoters of the show, determined that there was a failure of a security barricade in front of the stage that could not be adequately repaired, the promoter reluctantly announced the postponement of the show until Saturday. Unfortunately, on such short notice the promoters were unable to secure a permit for a show on Saturday. Therefore, DNA announced that we would not be able to play in Delhi.”
After the fiasco, Gurgaon police said the operational head of DNA Entertainment Network for Metallica concerts, Rajesh Chandwani, and his team members - Umesh, Ashok Singh and Savio Faleio - were arrested on charges of cheating people and breach of trust.
Metallica’s Sunday show in Bangalore went ahead without incident.
See also:
VIDEO: Metallica rocks Bangalore
VIDEO: Bangalore India prepares for Metallica
VIDEO: India TV interviews Metallica prior to concert cancellation
Metallica: Cancelled Indian concert promoters arrested
Metallica: Gurgaon, India show cancelled
VIDEO: Metallica fans riot in India
VIDEO: Lou Reed & Metallica interviewed on Norwegian TV
VIDEO: Lou Reed and Metallica press kit for Lulu
VIDEO: Metallica rock United Arab Emirates
Danko Jones slams Lou Reed & Metallica project
Lou Reed & Metallica streaming full Lulu album
AUDIO: Lou Reed Metallica album preview available
Metallica turned down Quentin Tarantino film
VIDEO: Lou Reed & Metallica talk about Lulu
VIDEO: Lou Reed and Metallica - Lulu promo
VIDEO: Metallica rally behind Virginia Tech football
Enter the Lou Reed & Metallica NYC listening party contest
AUDIO: Lou Reed and Metallica - without Lou Reed
VIDEO: Lou Reed and Metallica press kit
VIDEO: The Mini Band rock Metallica, Guns N’ Roses
Ramones bassist turned down Metallica twice
VIDEO: Metallica guitarist interviewed at Rock In Rio
VIDEO: Watch full Metallica set from Rock In Rio 4
AUDIO: Lou Reed & Metallica - The View
Metallica considered hiring Megadeth bassist
Lou Reed & Metallica cover banned by London Underground
Metallica: Kirk Hammett guitar straps available
VIDEO: Metallica share Yankee Stadium footage
AUDIO: Lou Reed & Metallica present first Lulu preview
VIDEO: Metallica drummer talks about rocking Yankee Stadium
VIDEO: Metallica, Big 4 jam Motorhead classic at Yankee Stadium
Metallica/Megadeth supergroup on the horizon?
Metallica’s Black album gets German tribute
Metallica announce 30th Anniversary shows
VIDEO: Big 4 - Watch full Metallica set from Sweden
