October 31, 2011 8:39

Organisers of Metallica's failed India gig arrested on fraud charges

Four members of DNA Networks are arrested after allegedly refusing to refund ticket money

Photo Gallery: Metallica
Photo: Danny North/NME

Four of the organisers behind Metallica's failed show in Gurgaon, India on Friday (October 28) have been arrested on fraud charges.

The metal titans had been due to play a gig in the country's Gurgaon Stadium, but had to call off the show after a security barrier in front of the stage collapsed. This caused fans, who were already gathered in the stadium, to storm the stage and trash equipment. You can watch a fan shot video of this by scrolling down to the bottom of the page and clicking.

The gig was then set to be moved to the following day (October 29), but was ultimately shelved after a permit for show could not be secured in time.

According to BBC News, local police revealed yesterday (October 30) that four executives of promoters DNA Entertainment Network had been arrested on fraud charges, after complaints were made that the group had refused to refund ticket money.

Metallica themselves issued a statement about the cancelled show on their official website Metallica.com, which reads as follows:

On Friday we were notified that there was a serious question as to whether the show could proceed with regard to the safety of the concert audience. And our first and foremost concern is always for the safety of you, the fans.

It continues:

Once we, along with DNA, the promoters of the show, determined that there was a failure of a security barricade in front of the stage that could not be adequately repaired, the promoter reluctantly announced the postponement of the show until Saturday. Unfortunately, on such short notice the promoters were unable to secure a permit for a show on Saturday.

Metallica played a successful show in Bangalore last night. They release 'Lulu', their much anticipated collaboration album with Lou Reed, today (October 31). You can watch a video of them discussing the collaboration at the bottom of the page.

Video: Lou Reed and Metallica - 'Lulu Was A Blank Canvas'

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