July 17, 2008 13:02

Brian Jonestown Massacre gig ends in chaos

Police called to venue after altercation between the group

Brian Jonestown Massacre's London show descended into chaos last night (July 16) when an argument erupted between band members after the gig.

After playing a mammoth two-hour set, which saw lead singer Anton Newcombe cuss the NME and plead with UK fans to put a stop to the recent spate of knife crime, police were called after a member of the band got hurt in the backstage scuffle.

The altercation erupted after guitarist Frankie Emerson, who appeared drunk on stage, swung a microphone and broke it during the show.

An obviously annoyed Newcombe told him on stage he would have to pay for its replacement.

Later when the band left the stage before their encore Emerson stayed on rambling into the microphone, saying: "Testing, one two, one two."

Percussionist Joel Gion tried to diffuse the situation by bidding goodnight to the crowd but Emerson continued unperturbed, exclaiming: "Don't shut front of house man, you fucker."

The rest of the then group returned to play their final song before leaving the stage to applause.

It was then after the gig that a band ruckus erupted backstage and police were called to diffuse the situation.

However no arrests were made and the band are set to continue with their UK tour today (July 17) with a set at Dour Festival.

A spokesman from the band's label played down the incident, explaining: "These things do happen on tour when the band are tired and been away from home too long."