[viadah]

End of this chapter until a court case is brought, statement from Randy Blythe as reported over at Gunshyassassin.com:

http://gunshyassassin.com/news/lamb-...nt/#more-29390

After spending more than a month in a Prague prison cell on bull**** charges, Randy Blythe of Lamb of God is back home. He spent his first weekend back in Richmond, and at some point during the last two days, scratched down a statement on the situation.
“Greetings. This is D. Randall Blythe, checking in from my beloved hometown of Richmond, VA, United States of America. I was recently released on bail from Pankrác Prison in Prague, Czech Republic, after over a month of incarceration,” the missive from Blythe begins. “Now that I am out for the moment, I would like to say a few things.

“1. While in prison, I had minimal knowledge of how my case was viewed anywhere but the Czech Republic. I was told by my attorney that I had a lot support from peers in the music industry, my hometown, fans, and of course my family. I cannot express how emotional it made me upon my release to read about even a fraction of the voices that were raised on my behalf.

“From legends in my music community, to fans across the world, and even people who were previously unaware of my existence but sympathized with my plight — I am truly humbled. I cannot thank you enough for your thoughts and prayers. I would especially like to thank the people of Richmond, VA, for standing by me. In the 48 hours I have been home, many people I have never met before have stopped me on the street, waved and smiled as I passed by, or said hello in a restaurant. All have said ‘We are glad you are home, Randy.’ You all make me proud and grateful that I call Richmond home.

“2. I would like [to] state that I suffered no abuse, from either authorities or inmates, during my incarceration in Pankrác. I received no special treatment, and was in general population with everyone else — make no mistake, it was prison, not some celebrity rehab tv show.

“But I was treated fairly by the guards and kindly by my fellow inmates. People are dying of starvation all over the world. Men and women are losing their lives daily in the Middle East and other war torn regions. I had food, clothes, shelter, and no one was trying to kill me. I cannot complain over a short stay in prison while many people elsewhere fight to survive on a daily basis.

“3. If it is deemed necessary for me to do so, I WILL return to Prague to stand trial. While I maintain my innocence 100%, and will do so steadfastly, I will NOT hide in the United States, safe from extradition and possible prosecution,” Blythe affirms.

“As I write this, the family of a fan of my band suffers through the indescribably tragic loss of their child. They have to deal with constantly varying media reports about the circumstances surrounding his death. I am charged with maliciously causing severe bodily harm to this young man, resulting in his death. While I consider the charge leveled against me ludicrous and without qualification, my opinion makes no difference in this matter.

“The charge exists, and for the family of this young man, questions remain. The worst possible pain remains. It is fairly common knowledge amongst fans of my band that I once lost a child as well. I, unfortunately, am intimately familiar with what their pain is like. Therefore, I know all too well that in their time of grief, this family needs and deserves some real answers, not a media explosion followed by the accused killer of their son hiding like a coward thousands of miles away while they suffer. I am a man. I was raised to face my problems head on, not run from them like a petulant child. I hope that justice is done, and the family of Daniel N. will receive the closure they undoubtably need to facilitate healing. I feel VERY STRONGLY that as an adult, it would be both irresponsible and immoral for me not to return to Prague if I am summoned. This is not about bail money. This is about a young man who lost his life. I will act with honor, and I will fight to clear my good name in this matter. Thank you for reading this, and I wish you all peace.”

[Nailz]

Good statement, his opinion on the matter is needed with regards keeping the public in check, it's shocking how often the family of the deceased are targeted with thoughtless verbal abuse by keyboard warrior fanboys is these instances. Hopefully that will hinder all the Czech bashing on forums and give the overly zealous LOG fans — the likes you see in the comments section of a Blabbermouth article (or Metal Ireland for that matter) — to present themselves with some cop on.

[cournioni]

Originally Posted by viadah

End of this chapter until a court case is brought, statement from Randy Blythe as reported over at Gunshyassassin.com:

http://gunshyassassin.com/news/lamb-...nt/#more-29390

After spending more than a month in a Prague prison cell on bull**** charges, Randy Blythe of Lamb of God is back home. He spent his first weekend back in Richmond, and at some point during the last two days, scratched down a statement on the situation.
“Greetings. This is D. Randall Blythe, checking in from my beloved hometown of Richmond, VA, United States of America. I was recently released on bail from Pankrác Prison in Prague, Czech Republic, after over a month of incarceration,” the missive from Blythe begins. “Now that I am out for the moment, I would like to say a few things.

“1. While in prison, I had minimal knowledge of how my case was viewed anywhere but the Czech Republic. I was told by my attorney that I had a lot support from peers in the music industry, my hometown, fans, and of course my family. I cannot express how emotional it made me upon my release to read about even a fraction of the voices that were raised on my behalf.

“From legends in my music community, to fans across the world, and even people who were previously unaware of my existence but sympathized with my plight — I am truly humbled. I cannot thank you enough for your thoughts and prayers. I would especially like to thank the people of Richmond, VA, for standing by me. In the 48 hours I have been home, many people I have never met before have stopped me on the street, waved and smiled as I passed by, or said hello in a restaurant. All have said ‘We are glad you are home, Randy.’ You all make me proud and grateful that I call Richmond home.

“2. I would like [to] state that I suffered no abuse, from either authorities or inmates, during my incarceration in Pankrác. I received no special treatment, and was in general population with everyone else — make no mistake, it was prison, not some celebrity rehab tv show.

“But I was treated fairly by the guards and kindly by my fellow inmates. People are dying of starvation all over the world. Men and women are losing their lives daily in the Middle East and other war torn regions. I had food, clothes, shelter, and no one was trying to kill me. I cannot complain over a short stay in prison while many people elsewhere fight to survive on a daily basis.

“3. If it is deemed necessary for me to do so, I WILL return to Prague to stand trial. While I maintain my innocence 100%, and will do so steadfastly, I will NOT hide in the United States, safe from extradition and possible prosecution,” Blythe affirms.

“As I write this, the family of a fan of my band suffers through the indescribably tragic loss of their child. They have to deal with constantly varying media reports about the circumstances surrounding his death. I am charged with maliciously causing severe bodily harm to this young man, resulting in his death. While I consider the charge leveled against me ludicrous and without qualification, my opinion makes no difference in this matter.

“The charge exists, and for the family of this young man, questions remain. The worst possible pain remains. It is fairly common knowledge amongst fans of my band that I once lost a child as well. I, unfortunately, am intimately familiar with what their pain is like. Therefore, I know all too well that in their time of grief, this family needs and deserves some real answers, not a media explosion followed by the accused killer of their son hiding like a coward thousands of miles away while they suffer. I am a man. I was raised to face my problems head on, not run from them like a petulant child. I hope that justice is done, and the family of Daniel N. will receive the closure they undoubtably need to facilitate healing. I feel VERY STRONGLY that as an adult, it would be both irresponsible and immoral for me not to return to Prague if I am summoned. This is not about bail money. This is about a young man who lost his life. I will act with honor, and I will fight to clear my good name in this matter. Thank you for reading this, and I wish you all peace.”

Excellent statement and fair play to him for being a man where others would hide from their responsibilities.

[Cill94]

Originally Posted by Nailz

Good statement, his opinion on the matter is needed with regards keeping the public in check, it's shocking how often the family of the deceased are targeted with thoughtless verbal abuse by keyboard warrior fanboys is these instances. Hopefully that will hinder all the Czech bashing on forums and give the overly zealous LOG fans — the likes you see in the comments section of a Blabbermouth article (or Metal Ireland for that matter) — to present themselves with some cop on.

Yep, I was pretty appalled at the number of online comments I read which basically claimed that the kid was an idiot who deserved what he got. From the sounds of it even Randy would give those types of diehard fans a smack round the head if he saw them say that. The power of the herd mentality never fails to disappoint me!

[weisses]

Originally Posted by Cill94

Yep, I was pretty appalled at the number of online comments I read which basically claimed that the kid was an idiot who deserved what he got. From the sounds of it even Randy would give those types of diehard fans a smack round the head if he saw them say that. The power of the herd mentality never fails to disappoint me!

Yeah agree .... the era of the keyboard warrior

[Malice]

It's definitely a thoughtful and well-written statement and fair play to him for highlighting the plight of the family that lost their son.

[weisses]

Originally Posted by Malice

It's definitely a thoughtful and well-written statement and fair play to him for highlighting the plight of the family that lost their son.

Reading his statement .. I am really amazed he didn't do any of the writing for LoG

Did he wrote that himself i wonder (not saying he's not supporting it 100%)

[old gregg]

a few Randy interviews starting to surface including MTV. Here's an interesting one via Rolling Stone:
http://willie-adler.allaxess.com/lam...zech-republic/

[Malice]

Originally Posted by old gregg

a few Randy interviews starting to surface including MTV. Here's an interesting one via Rolling Stone:
http://willie-adler.allaxess.com/lam...zech-republic/

This part jumped out at me:

Did the Czech government try and contact you prior to the arrest?
“The Czech authority sent a letter to the Justice Department, and our government told them basically where they can get off. They said, ‘No, we won’t cooperate.’ I don’t know if the American government thought there was not enough basis for them to pursue an investigation. Regardless, what I’m a little bit steamed about is the fact that they didn’t have the courtesy to contact me – in any way, shape or form – and say, ‘Hey, you’re wanted for manslaughter in a foreign country.’”

Unfortunately for Randy my American arrogance theory was right all along. No doubt this will have zero impact on some people's opinions of the Czech Republic and its legal system.

[TheStickyBandit]

Originally Posted by weisses

Reading his statement .. I am really amazed he didn't do any of the writing for LoG

Did he wrote that himself i wonder (not saying he's not supporting it 100%)

This has been covered before. Randy does write lyrics for LoG. Off you go to blabermouth or metal ireland if you're looking to stir shit in a serious thread about a very serious subject.

[weisses]

Originally Posted by TheStickyBandit

This has been covered before. Randy does write lyrics for LoG. Off you go to blabermouth or metal ireland if you're looking to stir shit in a serious thread about a very serious subject.

Yes and watching the DVD they said that he didn't do any of the writing that's why i said it

If you have a problem with my post you know where the report button is

And when they asked him what he would do when he got back to the states He said he needed to mow the lawn ...

Don't make it anymore serious then it is ....

[Malice]

Originally Posted by TheStickyBandit

Off you go to blabermouth or metal ireland if you're looking to stir shit in a serious thread about a very serious subject.

Originally Posted by weisses

If you have a problem with my post you know where the report button is

Folks please play nice.

For the record I'm sure Randy's management read over that statement before it was released but I'd also imagine heart-felt sentiments might not come across too well on your average Lamb of God song .

[TheStickyBandit]

Originally Posted by weisses

Yes and watching the DVD they said that he didn't do any of the writing that's why i said it

If you have a problem with my post you know where the report button is

And when they asked him what he would do when he got back to the states He said he needed to mow the lawn ...

Don't make it anymore serious then it is ....

Did he not also say he did a lot of writing in prision?

[weisses]

Originally Posted by TheStickyBandit

Did he not also say he did a lot of writing in prision?

If he is smart he would have done that yes ... good place for inspiration i think

[TheStickyBandit]

Originally Posted by weisses

If he is smart he would have done that yes ... good place for inspiration i think

Eh....did it not say that in the statement? Christ, at least read it before you jump on the band wagon of critisism!