DISCLAIMER: Horns Up Rocks does not consciously breach any copyright regulations. If you are a holder and would like something to be removed from our site, please email us at info@hornsuprocks.com and we will gladly oblige.
According to ITV.com,a Czech court has acquitted LAMB OF GOD frontman David Randall Blythe, of charges he caused the death of a fan at a
concert in Prague three years ago.
The prosecution had accused Blythe, 42, of causing the death of the
19-year old fan by pushing him off the stage at a 2010 concert. Here is Blythe's first Instagram post following this awesome news:
"I have been found not guilty & acquitted of all charges against me. I am a free man. This photo was taken by my friend @aceyslade-
it says it all. Please remember the family of Daniel Nosek in your
thoughts & prayers in this difficult time. I only wish for them
peace. Thank you for your support." - Randy
We are stoked that Randy is FREE and that now LAMB OF GOD can resume all their touring plans in support of their latest record 'Resolution'.
Yesterday (March 4), David Randall Blythe returned to court in the Czech Republic after his trial for manslaughter was
postponed in early February because a key witness fell ill and two
criminal psychologists who were expected to testify were unable to
attend. Here is what went down.
Lets hope that this is not Randy's last Instagram post for years to come: “It’s a beautiful morning in Prague, & time for me to go to what
is (hopefully) my final day in court here- supposedly judgement will be
passed today & I will move on with my life in one direction or the
other. Which direction that is, I do not know. I could walk free, or
conversely go to prison for up to ten years. Such is my life right now,
& I must stay in this moment until its resolution. Whatever happens
to me, do not feel sorry for me, for I am at peace & refuse to feel
sorry for myself. Life happens. Deal with it. Some people cannot
understand why I have returned, saying I should not come back here. KNOW
THIS, & mark my words well- it would be absolutely intolerable for
me to hide from this situation. I am an innocent man, but a family
suffers the loss of a son, a fan of my band. That is what this whole
thing is truly about, not prison, not money, not politics, not ME- it is
about a young man who lost his life at just 19 years of age. He will
never come back, & it breaks my heart. I would not be able to sleep
at night knowing that I did not behave honorably & try to give his
family some answers. That would be disgraceful, and I do not wish to
dishonor myself or my family by acting in such a cowardly manner. I was
raised to face my problems head on. For me, this is BEING A MAN. I
categorically refuse to live in a constant state of guilt & fear. I
would rather die. My morality & convictions are not dependent upon
unforeseeable circumstance, nor malleable when difficulty arises. So I
walk this morning to court with my head held high, no matter what others
opinions of me may be. I have to face myself in the mirror, &
tomorrow morning, where ever I may wake up, I will be able to do that
without regret. This is THE ONLY path to true freedom for me- peace
within myself. This is the manner in which I choose to try my best to
live my life, & I hope you all do the same- do your best to do what
is right, no matter how difficult it may be. I promise you, this will
bring you peace. I thank you all for your support, I wish you all a good
day, & to quote one of my favorite movies: STRENGTH AND HONOR.”
Please keep Randy in your thoughts! We will keep you posted once any information is available.
Today, Monday, March 4, David Randall Blythe returned to court in the Czech Republic after his trial for manslaughter was postponed in early February because a key witness fell ill and two criminal psychologists who were expected to testify were unable to attend.
This is what happened today, in the trial that has the Heavy Music world on its feet:
- Psychology experts took the stand. One court expert
statedthat Blythe "may have some antisocial personality traits",as a result of Blythe being cited when he was fined for speeding and public disobidience.
- Another psychiatrist stated that Blythe "didn't
meet several of the conditions for antisocial personality disorder." She
went on to state that even with stress for aggressive behavior, the
results were normal.
- The security guard that came down to the
stage and can be seen on video throwing a fan to the ground and warning
him to relax, also appeared in court today.
- A female fan of LAMB OF GOD, who is 19 years old, also took the stand and described seeing Randy "push
Daniel Nosek with a lot of force on the shoulders off the stage." She
was in the front row at the concert at the Abaton when the incident took
place. She went on to state that when Dan fell into the crowd, the
crowd parted and he fell to the floor.
- Blythe's lawyers filed an expert brief on body mechanics to shed light
on how the victims body would fly off the stage along with the injuries
he could have suffered. The prosecutor, Vladimir Muzik, objected to the
the evidence as the investigators and court witnesses gave thorough
testimony on what happened, contradictions and all.
So what's next in the Randy Blythe trial? Tomorrow will be the testimony from George Strauss of the
Prague Police Department. Following the closing statements,
Randy Blythe will address the court. A verdict can be expected tomorrow.
If convicted, Blythe will have to pay a 5 - 10 year sentence. Additionally, the parents of the alleged victim, Daniel Nosek, are demanding compensation of 10 million Czech Koruna (approximately $530,000).
Blythe was imprisoned for five weeks in the Czech Republic after being detained on June 27, 2012 when the Richmond, Virginia-based band arrived there for a show.
The singer was freed without charge in August but had to post $400,000 bail, then left the country, vowing to return for the trial.
We will keep you posted once more detailed information is available.
As we all know, David Randall Blythe from LAMB OF GOD is fighting the fight of his life. Blythe
was imprisoned for five weeks in the Czech Republic after being
detained on June 27, 2012 when the Grammy-nominated, Richmond,
Virginia-based band arrived there for a show. The singer was freed without charge in August but had to post $400,000 bail, then left the country.
According
to the prosecution, Blythe shoved Daniel Nosek, a 19 years old fan,
off stage, thus inflicting fatal wounds on him. After being released
on bail, which was contended by the State Attorney, Blythe refused
responsibility for Nosek's death and pledged to return to attend the
trial. While the trial began on Monday, February 4, the trial had to be postponed until March 4, due to the fact that one witness fell ill and two criminal psychologists who were expected to testify were unable to attend during that week. Prior to the trial, Randy was able to tour the Unites States with his band LAMB OF GOD.On December 8, 2013, it was "Dimebag" Darrell Abbot's eight death anniversary. That night, LAMB OF GOD's tour with IN FLAMES, HELLYEAH and SYLOSIS, arrived in Kansas City, Missouri. The very next day, Randy reflected on his friend Darrell and how his tragic passing made musicians like Randy to always be in the lookout whenever someone they don't know joins them on stage.
"Tonight's
show in Kansas City was an emotional one for us on this tour,
especially the Hellyeah guys. Eight years ago (December 8th 2004) a
crazy man jumped onstage and killed Darrell "Dimebag" Abbot in front of
two members of Hellyeah, one of which, of course, is his brother Vinnie
Paul. This night changed EVERYTHING for those of us in Metal bands-
something had been taken away from us, & it wasn't just Dime. It was
our care free sorta attitude- this sort of thing just didn't happen in
OUR SCENE. But it did, & we are all the worse for it. Things have
changed, but we still are out here. Vinnie & Bobzilla are still out
here rocking their balls off- they have my utmost respect for that. I
don't know if I would step foot on a stage again after witnessing &
going through what they did. But they are musicians- plus Dime woulda
wanted it that way- you can bet your ass on that. The other day Vinnie
came to me & said "Hey man, can we have a few extra moments in
Kansas City to have a drink in memory of Dime?" Are you kidding me? OF
COURSE. So tonight, the whole damn tour, every member of every band, got
up on that stage & had a drink in his honor. It felt like family to
me, in those best moments of tour when you all are there together,
doing this incredible thing, as a FAMILY. I wish Dime coulda been there
in person with us. But it's like I said tonight onstage- a mad man's
bullet can take this mortal shell, but TRUE LEGENDS NEVER DIE. We keep
them alive, all of us, when we come together band & audience, &
do this thing we all love so much. RIP Dime- see ya on the other side
bro!"
Call it paranoia, but as Randy mentionedabove we headbangers of the world are living in a very different world after the tragic passing of "Dimebag". We hope justice prevails and that the jury behind Randy's legal case understands the risk all artists face when someone they don't know jumps on stage unexpectedly, and that if an artist reacts it is because you never know when a lunatic may strike next.
As we all know, David Randall Blythe from LAMB OF GOD is fighting the fight of his life. Blythe was imprisoned for five weeks in the Czech Republic after being detained on June 27, 2012 when the Grammy-nominated, Richmond, Virginia-based band arrived there for a show. The singer was freed without charge in August but had to post $400,000 bail, then left the country.
According to the prosecution, Blythe shoved Daniel Nosek, a 19 years old fan, off stage, thus inflicting fatal wounds on him. After being released on bail, which was contended by the State Attorney, Blythe refused responsibility for Nosek's death and pledged to return to attend the trial.
While the trial began on Monday, February 4, the trial had to be postponed until March 4, due to the fact that one witness fell ill and two criminal psychologists who were expected to testify were unable to attend during that week.
Before returning back to the United States of Metal, Randy visited the prison were he would pay for his sentence if convicted for manslaughter. After visiting the prison, this is what he posted via Instagram account:
"Pankrác is a grim place, but I kept my spirits up in there. If I felt sorry for myself, I quickly reminded myself that there are many in the world who would be grateful to have the food I had, to escape a war-torn homeland in exchange for three hits and a cot, even in a prison for a bit. Suddenly being thrown into a foreign prison wasn't fun, but it wasn't the worst thing that could happen to a man. I had food, clothes, and shelter. Remain grateful for what you DO have, not resentful over what you DON'T.
"We finished walking and got on a subway back to the center of Prague. I was glad I came to look at the prison. I would love to have a camera in there- it's amazing inside, in a really messed up way. I do not know what the future holds for me- maybe I will return to behind these walls- but I do know that I have to do the right thing as my conscious dictates. For me that is going back to finish the trial, as I said I would. The family of the young man who is dead is in court everyday, along with mine. They have shown remarkable kindness by not attacking me in the press or anywhere else. It must be very difficult for them to look at my face, regardless of my guilt or innocence. They have behaved honorably, and so shall I. I will do my best to give them the answers they deserve. I ask people not to judge the family of this young man for wanting these answers- their family has lost a son- who would not want answers? I'm not so sure I would have displayed the class and reserve they have if the tables were turned. Remember, no story has just one side. Try to look at everything from different angles, to not make snap judgements. Put yourself in another's shoes for a second. Otherwise we all just remain in a prison of our own making. Thanks for all your support. I will put up some cheerier pictures soon, I promise."
Yesterday (February 6), Metal Insider reported that David Randall Blythe was on his way home since his trial for manslaughter had been postponed until March 4. Well, in actuality the trial has not been officially postponed yet. While Blythe's defense team asked for the trial to be postponed due to the fact that one witness fell ill and two criminal psychologists who were expected
to testify were unable to attend this week, the court hasn't postponed the trial yet.
This is what happened today, Thursday, February 7:
According to WTVR.com, Lukas Havlena, a fanof the band who attended the concert in which the incident that ended upcosting the life of Daniel Nosek took place, defended Randy's actions by saying that he did not think Blythe was aggressive that night, and that fans should realize any aggressive behavior displayed on stage is just part of the show.
Havlena told the court during today's testimony that he contacted Blythe's defense team after reading accounts of what other witnesses were saying during the trial.
Contrary to the way other witnesses described the atmosphere at the concert, Havlena said that each time somebody got on the stage, Blythe made it clear they weren't allowed there.
If the trial is postponed, Randy will be allowed to return to the U.S. until his trial resumes.
He indicated in court that he would definitely return to Prague next
month. The parents of the alleged victim, Daniel Nosek, are demanding compensation of 10 million Czech Koruna (approximately $530,000).
Blythe was imprisoned for five weeks in the Czech Republic after being detained on June 27, 2012 when the Grammy-nominated, Richmond, Virginia-based band arrived there for a show.
The
singer was freed without charge in August but had to post $400,000
bail, then left the country, vowing to return for the trial.
Additionally, according to a report by WVTR (read it HERE) there were a lot of different versionsof the events that took place three years ago, presented by the witnesses on Tuesday, February 5 at the trial. This definitely helps Randy's case, since without solid statements or evidence it will be hard for the jury to make a final decision.
"Lamb of God frontman Randy Blythe is on his way back to America, as his manslaughter trial has been delayed. According to WTVR, Blythe’s defense team asked for a delay because a key witness was sick, and they want the witness to testify in person. One more witness is slated to testify tomorrow, then the trial will be resume on March 4. Blythe indicated to the court that he’ll be back in Prague when the trial resumes."
This might be an indicator that Randy is innocent and that no strong evidence has been found during the trial that has the Heavy Music world on the edge of their sits. Usually during any criminal trial, if there is strong evidence against the accused person, in this case Randy, the court won't postpone the trial for such a long period of time and if they do, they will keep the person in custody until the trial resumes. Specially if the person is being accused of manslaughter.
Additionally, according to a report by WVTR (read it HERE) there were a lot of different versionsof the events that took place three years ago, presented by the witnesses yesterday (February 5) at the trial. This definitely helps Randy's case, since without solid statements or evidence it will be hard for the jury to make a final decision.
Yesterday (February 4), the State Attorney’s Office in Prague, Czech
Republic, began the trial of Lamb Of God's David Randall Blythe. Blythe
is being accused of manslaughter following the death of Daniel Nosek, a
19 years old fan of the band. Full details HERE!
Following the respond from the public regarding his trial, Randy decided to take matters into his own hands via his Instagram and post the following images and words in order to discuss the incorrectness of the information shared this far regarding his trial.
"I
have read a few news reports of the progress of my case, and trust me-
many things are incorrect. But this is the Internet, and of course
things are half-baked anyway. Keep in mind that translation is
difficult, and many things can be lost, for Czech is a VERY DIFFICULT
language. So wait and see, as I am. It is all I can do, except be honest
& fight for my freedom in my own way. I also have heard of some
people (not on here) talking smack about the Czech Republic, saying
"Fuck the Czech Republic", etc. This not how it should be. This is a
very sad case, not something to rage at people you do not know over. I
am not angry with the Czechs at all. A fan of my band is dead- what do I
have to be angry about? I am an INNOCENT man, but I am also a very sad
man right now. To not be sad in this instance would be inhuman. But mad
at the Czech people? Why would I be mad at them? Here, look at this
picture- a mother watches her baby. The child reaches out for something
new, laughing and chasing a pretty picture in the air. It is the same
here as everywhere else. Do you see?!?!? Life is beautiful. I hope to
see y'all soon." "Have
you ever looked down on the ancient rooftops of Prague from the clock
tower in Old Town Square? Have you ever seen the snow falling on the
people below? It is a magical sight, for Prague is a magic place. While I
am not happy to be here for the reason I am, I am not a blind man, nor
am I a fool. Only a blind fool would not bother to see these things. It
is quiet high above the city, and it is beautiful in a different way
than the many other places I have been around the world. Prague has a
long, complicated history. In many ways, I feel what is happening in my
life right now could not happen anywhere else. I roam through the
streets, asking myself questions, and there are quiet echoes of the city
answering back. I have been here over two weeks now, preparing for this
trial. I have walked many miles at night here. I am looking for life
lessons in the snow."
David Randall Blythe in court (Source CBS)
Yesterday (February 4), the State Attorney’s Office in Prague, Czech Republic, began the trial of Lamb Of God's David Randall Blythe. Blythe is being accused of manslaughter following the death of Daniel Nosek, a 19 years old fan of the band.
At the end of June 2012, Blythe was arrested, charged and remanded in custody by the Czech authorities in connection with an incident that happened during Lamb of God's previous concert in Prague two years earlier. According to the prosecution, Blythe shoved Daniel Nosek, a 19 years old fan, off stage, thus inflicting fatal wounds on him. After being released on bail, which was contended by the State Attorney, Blythe refused responsibility for Nosek's death and pledged to return to attend the trial.
Today (February 5), Randy questioned several Lamb of God fans who testified during day two of his manslaughter trial. Eight people who attended that concert delivered testimony in court Tuesday, according to Prague Post reporter Jonathan Crane who is helping cover the trial for WTVR.com.
Some of the people who testified Tuesday were friends of Nosek. Others were friends of Milan Poranek, a concert goer who Blythe admitted to pushing off the stage during the same show. While all of Nosek’s friends said Blythe pushed Nosek off the stage, their versions of the events of that night included some slight contradictions.
One of Nosek’s friends said Blythe was off of the stage when Nosek climbed up and that the singer ran from backstage to push the fan off. Other witnesses did not mention that.
Many of the witnesses struggled to recall the events of that concert nearly three years ago, Crane said.
During the testimony Blythe challenged one witness who claimed “several incidents” happened in the first half of the show, Crane said. Blythe argued video evidence shown in court refutes that claim.
The trial is set to last until the end of the week. If found guilty of his charge, Blythe could face up to 10 years in prison. Nosek’s family are also seeking 10 million Kč ($530,000) in damages. Blythe has been adamant since he was released on bail that if he was required to return to the Czech Republic to stand trial he would do so. He previously stated: “I want my name cleared. I have to go around the world and tour, you know. That’s what I do. I’m not going to hide here. I’m an innocent man. I’m going to go to court and see what happens.” Additionally, Michael Posner, Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, has issued an official statement declaring the U.S. government is “closely monitoring the progress” of vocalist Randy Blythe’s impending trial in the Czech Republic. More HERE!
Here are some audio reports from WVTRregarding today'strial:
"And so it begins. I am calm & prepared. Everyone, thanks for your good thoughts and prayers. Have a nice day, y'all!" - D Randall Blythe (via his Instagram account). Today (February 4), the State Attorney’s Office in Prague, Czech Republic, begins trial for Lamb Of God's D Randall Blythe. Blythe is being accused of manslaughter following the death of Daniel Nosek, a 19 years old fan of the band.
At the end of June 2012, Blythe was arrested, charged and remanded in custody by the Czech authorities in connection with an incident that happened during Lamb of God's previous concert in Prague two years earlier. According to the prosecution, Blythe shoved Daniel Nosek, a 19 years old fan, off stage, thus inflicting fatal wounds on him. After being released on bail, which was contended by the State Attorney, Blythe refused responsibility for Nosek's death and pledged to return to attend the trial, which is scheduled to begin shortly. Vladimir Jablonsky, the lawyer of Lamb of God frontman Randy Blythe, says that "he will be present at his hearing on February 4." Blythe is accused of tossing a fan off the stage in May 2010 in which the fan died 30-days later from head injuries the prosecutor claims were caused by the incident. A police spokesperson stated on June 29, 2012, that the police has formally charged Blythe under the section 146(4) of the Czech Criminal Code, which contains intentional infliction of bodily harm that resulted in death (i.e. manslaughter). He faces 5–10 years of imprisonment if found guilty. Randy’s brother, Mark Blythe, said the charge is "bogus and outrageous and will be dropped immediately." Blythe has been adamant since he was released on bail that if he was required to return to the Czech Republic to stand trial he would do so. He previously stated: “I want my name cleared. I have to go around the world and tour, you know. That’s what I do. I’m not going to hide here. I’m an innocent man. I’m going to go to court and see what happens.” Additionally, Michael Posner, Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, has issued an official statement declaring the U.S. government is “closely monitoring the progress” of vocalist Randy Blythe’s impending trial in the Czech Republic. More HERE! We wish Randy the best of luck, and we will keep you all posted on his trial! Here is what Riki Rachtman had to say about Randy Blythe's legal battle: Click here for the link to the LAMB OF GOD Memorabilia site and here for the link to the Justice Now site. Photo by: Zulie Alvarez (www.zuliephotographierocks.com/) Related links: Lamb Of God's Official Site
As previously reported, the Czech Republic has officially indicted Lamb Of God singer Randy Blythe on the manslaughter charge that received international media attention earlier this year (more HERE).
The State Attorney’s Office in Prague officially indicted Blythe on manslaughter charges on Friday, Nov. 30. It is now being reported that Blythe will stand trial for the controversial charges on February 4, 2013.
"We have issued Randy Blythe with a court summons, and he is obliged to attend the hearing in person," said court spokeswoman Martina Lhotáková [via Prague Post]. "The trial will determine the culpability of Blythe and his potential punishment."
Blythe has been adamant since he was released on bail that if he was required to return to the Czech Republic to stand trial he would do so.
He previously stated: “I want my name cleared. I have to go around the world and tour, you know. That’s what I do. I’m not going to hide here. I’m an innocent man. I’m going to go to court and see what happens.”
Additionally, Michael Posner, Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, has issued an official statement declaring the U.S. government is “closely monitoring the progress” of vocalist Randy Blythe’s impending legal trial in the Czech Republic. More HERE!
Here is what Riki Rachtman had to say about Randy Blythe's legal battle:
As previously reported, the Czech Republic has officially indicted Lamb Of God singer Randy Blythe on the manslaughter charge that received international media attention earlier this year (more HERE).
Thankfully, Michael Posner, Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, has issued an official statement declaring the U.S. government is “closely monitoring the progress” of vocalist Randy Blythe’s impending legal trial in the Czech Republic. It can be read in its entirely below.
Posner’s statement is in response to the online petition at whitehouse.gov for the U.S. government to help Blythe. Posner explained that while he couldn’t discuss details of Blythe’s case, he could confirm that the U.S. government would ensure Blythe received a fair trial.
Posner’s statement reads as follows:
“We appreciate your inquiry about the case of D. Randall Blythe, who was released from detention in the Czech Republic on August 3, 2012, and returned to the United States shortly thereafter. Mr. Blythe has publicly stated his intention to return to the Czech Republic to face trial for the alleged manslaughter of a Czech man at a concert in 2010. He recently told MTV, ‘It’s the correct thing for me to do … this poor young man’s family deserves some answers.’ Pending Mr. Blythe’s trial, we cannot discuss the details of his case. We are closely monitoring the progress of his trial.
“The Department Of State noted in its 2011 Human Rights Report that in the Czech Republic, ‘The laws provide for the right to a fair trial, and the independent judiciary generally enforced this right.’ We expect that the Czech government will make all efforts to ensure a fair, transparent, and timely trial for Mr. Blythe, and guarantee full protection of his legal rights under Czech law and his welfare.
“If you would like to know more about what the Department of State does for U.S. citizens overseas, please visit our website at Travel.State.Gov. General information on U.S. human rights policy is available at HumanRights.gov.”
The State Attorney’s Office in Prague officially indicted Blythe on manslaughter charges on Friday, Nov. 30. According to Czech news source Novinky.cz, the District Court now has three months to either set a trial date or to delay the hearing in lieu of further investigation. If he is found guilty, Blythe could face 5-10 years in prison.
Blythe has been adamant since he was released on bail that if he was required to return to the Czech Republic to stand trial he would do so.
He previously stated: “I want my name cleared. I have to go around the world and tour, you know. That’s what I do. I’m not going to hide here. I’m an innocent man. I’m going to go to court and see what happens.”
For now, Blythe will continue to destroy ear drums all over the U.S.! Here are the remaining tour dates:
The prosecution had accused Blythe, 42, of causing the death of the 19-year old fan by pushing him off the stage at a 2010 concert. Here is Blythe's first Instagram post following this awesome news: