As was the case for the recently completed U.S. shows, legendary U.S. heavy/doom metal band Pentagram will play its previously booked European tour dates this summer without frontman and founding member Bobby Liebling.
Pentagram explains in a statement: “Bobby called on April 17 saying he had been admitted to the hospital. He called again on April 19, this time after being transferred to a Maryland detention facility. He’s now awaiting a preliminary hearing at which time it will be determined if a follow-up on any alleged charges are necessary. An update will be published when information is available. The band will be fulfilling all currently booked appearances with 36-year mainstay guitarist Victor Griffin performing all vocals.”
Griffin, bassist Greg Turley and drummer Pete Campbell last month released a statement in which they blamed Liebling‘s absence from the gigs on “circumstances that are beyond anyone’s control, that are a direct result of Bobby Liebling‘s personal actions.”
Liebling was the focus of “Last Days Here”, the critically acclaimed 2011 documentary that detailed his lifelong struggle with drug addiction and followed him as he revived Pentagram in his 50s while emerging from his parents’ basement to start afresh with a wife less than half his age and their newborn son.
Pentagram adds in a “a personal note”: “The outpouring of support on our recent U.S. dates was outstanding! Your energy was matched tenfold and encouraged us to carry on and deliver what many have called, even by skeptics, some of the best Pentagram performances they’ve seen. Thank you!
“We have the best fans in the world and if not for you, the legacy of this band would have died long ago. We won’t let you down now. The music lives on and as we move forward, we reiterate the lyrics of ‘Curious Volume’:
‘In this venture, death waits in the shadows, but in survival, the volume won’t die!”
Victor Griffin added: “As I sit here reading the Pentagram headlines and wondering what to say… I can only thank you for such an overwhelming level of support under the circumstances. It’s been 36 years of dealing with more drama than you can probably imagine. The ‘Last Days Here’ documentary was only a glimpse. Constantly squandered opportunities led me to quit Pentagram on several occasions, only to eventually give benefit of the doubt and rejoin. With this latest incident, and not to pronounce guilt before trial, the pinnacle of that era has been reached. I also personally apologize for any less than straight forward and possibly confusing updates posted on the Pentagram site.
Greg Turley, Peter Campbell, and I are excited about carrying on with a greater enthusiasm than was even possible before. Regardless of how we do that beyond the currently booked summer dates, and under what name…our appreciation for your support is inexpressible. We hope to see you on the road…Godspeed!
P.S. For those of you who may believe in prayer…Bobby is a man who needs all he can get. And health, strength, and peace of mind for Diane Liebling.
Upcoming Shows:
May 15 Kocaeli Sabancı Culture Center Kocaeli, Turkey
Jun 18 SITE DU HELLFEST Clisson, France
Jul 12 Patronaat Haarlem, Netherlands
Jul 14 Arena Wien Bezirk Landstrasse, Austria
Aug 17 Hard Rock Hotel Las Vegas, NV