Unplugging: On Cro-Mags, stabbings and overdoses

On July 7th, a hardcore show at New York’s Webster Hall was shut down due to an incident involving the band Cro-Mags and their co-founder and former bassist Harley Flanagan.

Flanagan reportedly stabbed the band’s current bassist Mike Couls in the stomach and arm, and following the attack on Couls, Flanagan slashed William Berario above the eye and bit his cheek. The band was scheduled to play New York’s CBGB Festival along with Sick of It All and Vision of Disorder. Flanagan reportedly made his way into the VIP area with a hunting knife and attacked Couls and Berario. Security restrained him, holding him until the police arrived.

Leading up to this attack, Flanagan and Cro-Mags shared tension for years, with Flanagan repeatedly making threats toward the band via Facebook. Following the incident, Webster Hall cancelled this show, and Cro-Mags issued a statement regarding the incident.

Last weekend, several people were stabbed at a Swedish House Mafia show at Phoenix Park in Dublin. The show was part of their farewell tour, with 45,000 fans in attendance. The event also included performances from Snoop Dogg, Tinie Tempah and Clavin Harris. A 23-year old male reportedly stabbed at least 4 people, and was later arrested. Five more people were seriously injured from the chaos that ensued during and after the incident.

BBC News also reported that a 20-year old man died at the show from a suspected drug overdose. About 30 people were arrested and charged with assault, as well as having drugs on the concert grounds. With so much commotion, it can be suspected that the culprit snuck past security with the weapon. Denis Desmond, the concert promoter, issued a statement regarding the multiple incidents: “Every precaution,

as far as possible, was taken to ensure the safety and security of the audience at all times.”

With a stellar lineup announced this week, Austin’s Fun Fun Fun Fest is stepping up in caliber as well as popularity. Set to take place November 2-4, the ever-growing festival has a hefty bill, including headliners like Santigold, Run-D.M.C, Refused, Public Image LTD, Girl Talk, Atlas Sound, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, and many more. Tickets went on sale Thursday, July 12th, with 3-day passes running for $175.

Also announced this week was the full lineup for the Sunset Strip Music Festival 2012. This 3-day event will take place August 16-18, with this year’s festival honoree being The Doors. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Impact Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center. Set to perform the fest are Mickey Avalon, James Ingram, Matt Skiba, Peter Murphy, RZA, Hank III, Marilyn Manson, The Offspring and more. 3-day passes are $250 a pop.

Although Florence + The Machine are in the midst of an extensive world tour in support of their latest album, Ceremonials, lead singer Florence Welch has found the time to work on a dance music project titled Side Project. In a recent interview, Welch described the project as a “weird house track” that “has never seen the light of day.”

Unplugging In Brief:

Fun Fun Fun Fest 2012 Lineup Announced Featuring Run-D.M.C., Santigold, Refused and Many More – The Austin-based Fun Fun Fun Fest lineup was announced this week, and features what very well be their best lineup yet.

Full Lineup Announced For Sunset Strip Music Festival 2012: Hank III, RZA and Peter Murphy Added to Bill – This year’s Sunset Strip Music Festival will honor The Doors and feature acts like Hank III, Marilyn Manson, RZA, Peter Murphy and more.


Cro-Mags Show Canceled After Band Members Stabbed By Former Bassist Harley Flanagan – Former Cro-Mags member Harley Flanagan stabbed 2 current Cro-Mags members at a performance as part of New York’s CBGB Festival.

Nine People Injured or Stabbed at a Swedish House Mafia Concert in Dublin Ireland – At a performance part of Swedish House Mafia’s goodbye tour, several people were stabbed and one person died as a result of a suspected drug overdose.

Lilian Angelle, MXDWN