The Avett Brothers Cancel Oregon Concert After Man With Gun Disappears Into Crowd
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The Avett Brothers were forced to cancel their concert at the Edgefield in Troutdale, Oregon, on Saturday (July 7) after a man with a gun entered the venue without permission.
According to a statement on the band’s website, an individual passing through the venue’s metal detector was found carrying a gun. The man told security guards he was an out-of-state police officer and presented a badge. Security told the man to wait while they consulted with their manager, but the individual disregarded instructions and walked into the venue. After a long search, the man could not be found and the band was forced to cancel the show over security concerns.
“Due to the obvious threat posed by someone in the audience with a firearm, regardless of his (unconfirmed) claim of being a member of law enforcement, we were obligated, for the safety of everyone present, to cancel the performance,” The Avett Brothers wrote on their site. “It was unfortunate that such action had to be taken, but we have no regret in being in a position to make a decision which helps to keep our fans safe.”
Y’all I’m so sorry about tonight. I hope you understand. People can be really idiotic. I love to be on that stage to play for you all, so it’s a crushing blow to be sitting side stage waiting to walk on just to be called back. Much love to you all. Be safe. Good night.
— Joe Kwon (권요셉) (@joekwon80) July 8, 2018
The nixed concert was the last of three sold-out performances at the Edgefield. The Avett Brothers hope to reschedule the show in the near future.
Avett Brothers cellist Joe Kwon expressed his frustration about the cancellation on Twitter.
“Y’all I’m so sorry about tonight. I hope you understand. People can be really idiotic,” Kwon wrote. “I love to be on that stage to play for you all, so it’s a crushing blow to be sitting side stage waiting to walk on just to be called back. Much love to you all. Be safe. Good night.”
Read the Avett Brothers’ full statement about the incident below.
This evening, during the admission process at our show at the Edgefield McMenamins in Troutdale, Oregon, an individual passing through the metal detector was found to be carrying a gun. When confronted by the security guard and informed of the no-firearm policy of the venue, the individual stated that he was an out-of-state police officer and showed a badge. The security guard then asked the individual to wait for the manager so his entry could be confirmed. The individual disregarded her instructions and ventured immediately into the size-able audience. After an exhaustive search of the venue by the security staff of both the band and the venue, the individual was not located.
Due to the obvious threat posed by someone in the audience with a firearm, regardless of his (unconfirmed) claim of being a member of law enforcement, we were obligated, for the safety of everyone present, to cancel the performance.
It was unfortunate that such action had to be taken, but we have no regret in being in a position to make a decision which helps to keep our fans safe.
We look forward to making this performance up at the earliest possible juncture. Once the details are sorted for this, we will get the word out immediately.
Thank you for your understanding in this matter, and much love to you all for the continued support, love, and consideration…
Sincerely,
The Avett Brothers
This article originally appeared on Billboard.
