Behemoth cancel India show following “numerous credible threats” from religious groups
Metal band Behemoth have cancelled an upcoming show in Bangalore, India, after allegedly receiving threats from Christian groups.
The Polish group were due to play in Bangalore on March 3rd, following upcoming shows in Australia, China and Japan, but it will no longer be going ahead for safety reasons.
In a lengthy post on social media, Behemoth shared, “Over the past few weeks, we and our team have received numerous credible threats stemming from religious Christian groups who have been applying pressure to authorities and to the promoter in an effort to stop the show from taking place.”
They went on to say that “these threats have raised serious concerns regarding the band’s safety and security, including the possibility of arrest or physical danger.”
Behemoth acknowledged that the local promoter in Bangalore “has acted in good faith at every stage,” but said that “it was not possible to obtain sufficient assurances that the band would be protected from legal consequences or security risks. On that basis, we have made the decision to cancel the show.”
The cancellation of the Indian show comes just days after their concert in Istanbul was axed at the 11th hour amid protests from religious groups that accused Behemoth of promoting Satanic propaganda, which the band strongly denied.
In their new statement, they also referenced the Turkey episode, writing, “This is another example of religious fanaticism attempting to impose itself on artistic expression, something the band has recently faced in Turkey. It is deeply concerning to see what feels like a growing movement toward censorship around the world. In this modern age, artists should not face intimidation, threats or the risk of imprisonment for performing their art.”
They passionately continued, “Regardless of religion, race or culture, freedom of expression must remain a fundamental principle. We believe it is important that people stand together in support of liberal values and creative freedom.”
Behemoth signed off their message by urging their fans to “stay strong” and “stay free”.
The death metal band have a history of courting controversy and having their shows cancelled following pressure from authorities.
Their planned tour of Russia in 2014 was cancelled after they were detained upon entering the country and told they had the wrong work visas, which led to them being ordered to leave, as well as being banned from returning for five years.
Also in 2014, a concert they planned to stage in Poznan, Poland, was cancelled, which the band said was a “political decision”.
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