csicoverage posted on November 01, 2011 10:03
(Reuters) - A concert by heavy metal band Metallica on the sidelines of the inaugural Indian Grand Prix, which was earlier postponed till Saturday, has now been canceled as organizers failed to attain necessary approval, the band said in a statement.
The show was postponed on Friday evening after a "failure of a security barricade in front of the stage that could not be adequately repaired," Metallica said.
TV images and footage posted on YouTube showed an angry mob on stage throwing water bottles and equipment in the air and at organizers. Equipment worth $200,000 belonging to the band was damaged, local TV reported.
TV channels also quoted sources saying four of the organizers had been arrested. It was not immediately clear what the possible charges against them are.
"Our first and foremost concern is always for the safety of you," Metallica said in the statement posted on their website. The band added ticketholders will be entitled to a full refund.
The concert was part of the entertainment organised to coincide with the inaugural Formula One race in India. Lady Gaga is also scheduled to perform in Delhi at an invitation-only show in a five-star hotel club after the race on Sunday.
This is the second such embarrassment for the Indian capital this year, after a concert by Canadian rock star Bryan Adams was canceled when police refused to give organizers permission.
Facebook and Twitter were abuzz with heavy criticism of the organisers and the inability to successfully arrange high profile music events in Delhi.
The announcement disappointed thousand of fans, some of whom had waited for hours, and traveled miles to attend.