Metal Singer Faces Charges in Fan Death

Randy Blythe out on bail in Prague after bust before concert
By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 2, 2012 12:38 AM CDT
Metal Singer Randy Blythe Faces Charges in Fan Death
Randy Blythe of Lamb of God performs on stage earlier this year during Soundwave 2012 in Sydney, Australia.   (Getty Images)

Randy Blythe, frontman of the metal band Lamb of God, has been released on bail after his arrest in Prague for the death of a fan. The 19-year-old fan died two years ago from head injuries he suffered after Blythe pushed him off a stage and onto concrete during a concert, according to officials. The fan reportedly rushed the stage three times before Blythe shoved him away. Blythe was arrested at the Prague airport when the band arrived last week to perform a concert in the city, which was subsequently canceled. It was apparently the first time the singer was back in the Czech Republic since the death. He was accused of causing bodily harm resulting in death, reports the Arizona Republic. A video has surfaced on loudwire supposedly showing the shove. Blythe was ordered to pay $200,000 bail, and the rest of the band returned home to Virginia, apparently leaving Blythe behind. "Finally HOME! 4/5 of us anyway," tweeted guitarist Mark Morton. "I cant wait to give Randy a big bear hug & kiss his pointy, stubbly face!"

Blythe could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted of manslaughter, according to a police spokesman. Lamb of God management intends to release a complete statement on the situation today, but did say that the fan "three times during the concert jumped the barricade and rushed Randy during the performance. It is alleged that the third time, security was not able to reach him and that Randy pushed him back into the audience where supposedly he fell and hit his head." The band, which won a 2007 Grammy for its album Sacrament, played at a festival in the UK last month. (More Randy Blythe stories.)

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