Megadeth ended a concert in Paraguay early this past weekend due to security concerns when fans broke through barricades protecting the stage.
Agence France-Presse reports the August 20 show had a rowdy atmosphere at the Sport Colombia stadium in Asuncion, where vendors were selling alcoholic beverages in glass bottles -- which some fans hurled onto the stage, according to witnesses.
Megadeth and concert officials shut the concert down after hundreds of fans broke through the security barricade, crushing several people and leaving them injured, according to police.
"Dear Paraguay, after all three barricades broke and hundreds of fans crushed three security guards, almost killing one female fan, we regretfully had to cancel the show,” tweeted frontman Dave Mustaine. “Please understand that your safety is just as important as ours and after all the security went in the pit someone ran onto the stage, a bottle was thrown, and we'll let you know as soon as we can reschedule and come back.
"This is out of our hands and we will make sure when we return to use a different venue, security, and promoter. Again, Lo siento mucho."
Mustaine also tweeted a photo of one of the security barriers, writing, “Barricade held by a string at Asuncion. Two crew hit by broken glass thrown by persons in audience. Disappointed.”
The Paraguay stop is part of the band’s current South American tour in support of their latest album, “Dystopia.”
The Latin American trek wraps up in Monterrey, Mexico on September 1, and will be followed by a fall US tour that will begin in Casper, WY on September 20.
The 4-week run will see the thrash legends joined by Amon Amarth, Suicidal Tendencies, Metal Church and Havok.
Barricade held by a string at Asuncion. Two crew hit by broken glass thrown by persons in audience. Disappointed 👎 pic.twitter.com/fKrKmyvLa5— Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) August 21, 2016
See also:
Late Megadeth drummer Nick Menza memoir due this fall
Megadeth announce US tour
Megadeth cancel shows after David Ellefson breaks foot
Megadeth announce new drummer
Search Megadeth at hennemusic
