Behemoth respond after Turkish show cancelled following satanic propaganda claims
The Polish death metal band Behemoth have responded after their upcoming show in Turkey was cancelled.
Behemoth were due to perform at the Zorlu Performing Arts Center Turkcell Stage in Istanbul on February 11th, and Slaughter to Prevail were also booked for the same venue on February 10th. However, both events were axed.
In a press release announcing the show cancellation (via The PRP), promoters stated the cancellations came after it was “observed that the events have caused a backlash from many segments of society due to their incompatibility with our societal values.”
Additionally, Istanbul’s governor, Davut Gül, celebrated the cancellation on February 10th, writing on social media, “No activity that corrupts society in Istanbul has ever been permitted up to this day, and it will not be permitted in the future either.”
In response, Slaughter to Prevail frontman Alex Terrible initially took to Instagram to clarify that his band “are not satanic”, before stating, “Turkey’s people I love you and respect your country and religion views. But don’t call me satanic.”
Now, Behemoth have issued a lengthy statement in response to the cancellation of their performance in Istanbul, writing, “Despite exhausting every possible avenue throughout the day and engaging in extensive discussions, the decision from the local authorities remains final. There is simply nothing further we can do to overturn it.”
They added, “The cancellations come after pressure from religious groups who have characterized our art as satanic propaganda and deemed it unacceptable.” Behemoth also described the pressure as a tool to suppress “artistic expression and restrict cultural freedom”.
The group said of their ethos, “Behemoth has always stood for creative independence and the right of artists to express themselves without censorship. Music is not a threat, but silencing it should concern anyone who values freedom of expression.”
The rock band concluded by apologising to those who were hoping to attend their shows in Turkey, writing, “We fought to make these shows happen and we share your frustration and disappointment.”
Behemoth are no strangers to having their shows nixed by 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.
Additionally, 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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