Those excited to see LA’s Celtic punk band Flogging Molly last night in Portland were met with a “go home – show cancelled” message from Flogging Molly, and it was all over social media.
The first official message:
“Due to a credible threat of violence against the venue, we regrettably have to cancel tonight’s show. The safety of our fans, crew, venue staff, bandmates, and friends is our first priority, and we look forward to coming back to Portland to play for you as soon as we can.
If you are already at the venue please return home and if you have not yet departed for the show please do not come to the venue.”
Stay safe, Flogging Molly.
Later that night, The Roseland Theater posted and edited statement:
“Due to a credible threat of violence in relation to tonight’s concert, we regrettably have to cancel tonight’s show. The safety of our fans, crew, venue staff, bandmates and friends is our first priority, and we look forward to coming back to Portland to play for you as soon as we can…”
Due to an unnamed source close to the venue, “the direct threat was to the band. It wasn’t some random thing. Someone had a problem with Flogging Molly. Obviously, they threatened to use weapons. [the] venue had to shut it down. The searches of everyone and the general threat was too much to try and pull it off.”
Another unnamed source in the industry used the word “bomb threat.”
NOTE: While neither statement above has been confirmed by officials of the band or the venue, props to the band and venue for keeping everyone safe.
Fans were mixed on social media:
“Being told the show was canceled almost two hours after doors were scheduled and being told it was due to sound issues and then because Flogging Molly didn’t show up was absolute BS.”
“I applaud you guys for making such a tough decision and pulling the plug. Everybody lost a lot of money tonight but it’s nice to see someone value human lives first. With that said, any information at all while we waited 2 hours in the stench of shit and piss, while multiple homeless made their rounds asking each and every person in line for change, would have been very appreciated. But the fact that our lives were potentially in danger during the whole thing blows my mind.”
Stay safe out there. Portland is getting weirder and weirder.
Photo of Flogging Molly – courtesy of Flogging Molly’s official Facebook page.
Photo of Roseland reader board – courtesy of Roseland Theater’s official Facebook page.
