Acclaimed metal drummer Richard Christy (CHARRED WALLS OF THE DAMNED, ICED EARTH, DEATH, LEASH LAW, CONTROL DENIED, BURNING INSIDE) is one of a number of musicians who have come out in support of LAMB OF GOD frontman Randy Blythe, who is facing possible manslaughter charges in the Czech Republic.
Blythe, 41, is accused of causing the fatal injury that occurred at LAMB OF GOD’s May 24, 2010 show in Prague. The singer apparently either pushed or struck a 19-year-old fan named Daniel N. who had come on stage, and that person died 14 days later of bleeding in the brain.
Speaking to Loudwire, Christy stated about Blythe’s ordeal, “It’s such a bummer to hear about that. Randy is such an amazing guy. All of those guys are really good friends of mine. I actually toured with them in 2004. Right when I got the job with Howard [Stern], we had a week off from the radio show and I went to see them at Ozzfest and they asked me if I wanted to travel with them. I went on tour with them and hung out. I was kind of their assistant drum tech for that week. I even jammed on the song ’11th Hour’ with them during a soundcheck in Canada. It was so much fun. They’re just great guys, really down to earth. I feel so bad for the whole band and for Randy. I hope it gets cleared up really soon. You know, it’s going to make bands not want to play the Czech Republic anymore. Plus, when people get on stage, you have to be careful now. You never know what they’re going to do, you have to think about their motives. It’s scary these days because of the Dimebag [Darrell; PANTERA/DAMAGEPLAN guitarist who was killed on stage in 2004] incident. It’s an unfortunate thing. I really hope Randy gets to come back to his family soon and everything gets cleared up.”
The crime of which Blythe is being accused is punishable by up to ten years in prison, according to popular Czech news web site Novinky.cz.
Source: www.blabbermouth.net