CBGB Festival Responds to Last Night’s Webster Hall Stabbing
This image has been archived or removed.
We were super-stoked to see the Cro-Mags play last night as part of the CBGB Festival, but our excitement quickly morphed to disappointment after VOD performed, when founding bassist Harley Flanagan decided to brandish a knife in the VIP balcony section.
Violence erupted as two people were reportedly stabbed, including bassist bassist Mike “The Gook” Couls. Security and NYPD responded, and we overheard “get his hands, he’s got a knife.” As a result of the melee, the show was canceled. It’s also worth noting that Flanagan is a practitioner of Jiu-Jitsu, which may explain why it took so many burly dudes to subdue him.
Wikipedia was quickly updated in the aftermath, noting that Flanagan “was arrested for stabbing and biting current members of The Cro-Mags backstage at Webster Hall in NYC.” He was charged with assault and criminal weapons possession.
This image has been archived or removed.
Organizers behind the CBGB Festival responded with the following statement regarding the incident:
We are saddened to learn about the events that occurred last night at Webster Hall. Our primary concern is always the safety and experience of New Yorkers, music fans and the general public. Naturally we will fully cooperate with law enforcement while hoping for the speedy recovery of those injured.
Live music can be incredibly uplifting, empowering and positive. We don’t feel the actions of one person should overshadow four amazing days and nights of events that include today’s historic and unprecedented free concerts in Times Square and Central Park.
-The CBGB Festival
Meanwhile, below is a shot of the stage for the Times Square show later today…
This image has been archived or removed.
Credit: TH