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Metallica Fans Arrested at Colombia Riot

A riot outside a Metallica gig in Bogota, Colombia, on Wednesday (March 10) led to the arrest of 168 of the band's fans.

Around 600 ticketless metal fans had turned up to the rock band's date at Simón Bolívar Park, their first in the South American country for over a decade, and attempted to breach barriers. Some 1,500 police officers were present outside the 30,000-capacity venue, with tanks and police trucks also on hand, as authorities had expected trouble.

A 45-minute melee ensued, during which four fans and four police officers were injured. One was treated for a knife wound. Footage released by Associated Press showed mounted police charging crowds of youths, water cannons sprayed from vans and plumes of tear gas. Many of the disappointed fans were later released without charge.

Local police chief Ruben Castillo said, "The presence of police and riot teams was necessary because these misfits -- there's no other name for them -- damaged some windows in the surrounding area."

Metallica's gig itself was not disrupted, though crowd trouble has followed them on this current tour. In January, 120 people were arrested during a riot outside the band's show in Santiago, Chile, and earlier this month Guatemalan police fired warning shots to disperse ticketless fans that tried to rush another sold-out show in Guatemala City.

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bubili

metallica moj dobar drug

March 13 2010 at 4:27 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
noname

The ignorance of the people posting on this article is astonishing. Some people say "ignorance is bliss" though. I bet you are all very happy and I envy you for it. I'm sure as hell I'd be happier right now if I had remained ignorant of this post.
And I'm from Colombia.

March 12 2010 at 8:17 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
trashee70

Richard? Did you read the article or are you just one of the brighter Republicans? This happened in Colombia the country, not the District. Not that there isn't ignorant Americans, there are and I agree that these fans are ignorant but doesn't mean the music is. In fact, IF you can read you should note that some of the lyrics are quite intelligent.

March 12 2010 at 5:47 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
David S.

You are always going to get some douchebags who can't behave themselves at a heavy metal/rap concert. Some get too intoxicated, high, whatever. Some push each other around to get closer to the stage or get seats (remember the Who concert in '79 in Cincinnati?). This is nothing new, folks, but it isn't the majority of concert-goers; however, I can't recall anything in this country that resulted in tear gas being thrown or tanks being dispatched!

March 12 2010 at 4:55 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
jetsong

Jon Tibbits
1) If my memory serves me correctly the democrats/liberals are the ones who constantly play the blame game.
2) I believe all these problems started back with Jimmy Carter ( a democrat ).
3) If you believe in socialism keep backing the current administrations agenda.

March 12 2010 at 4:41 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jon Tibbits

When are you Damned worthless Republicans going to start blaming things on people that it should be blamed on? Instead of blaming Obama, or Bill Clinton for the disaster that this country is in. Put blame where it should be....the eight years of one of the worst presidents this country has ever had...BUSH....who ranks just below Nixon....oh that's right, Nixon was a Republican too.

March 12 2010 at 4:16 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Mom

Dude..no need to be hating on the Christians, we dont need to make this about religion..yikes! I'm a born again christian,work in ministry and own my own business and I'm also a HUGE Metallica fan. Rock is ruining the country Richard?? First of all I dont even think this comment is for real, I think it's a troll trying to stir up drama..no one can really be that ignorant. Second the show was in another country not in America...a country prone to this kind of behavior regardless if it's a metal show or a sporting event. Helllooo??? It's Columbia..hahahahaa....

March 12 2010 at 4:14 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Lars Dolinski

I thought all that nonsense ended with Led Zeppelin

March 12 2010 at 4:12 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
the one

They must have thought it was a rap concert.

March 12 2010 at 4:12 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Russ

Richard, just HOW full of shit are you? Sniff, sniff.

March 12 2010 at 4:09 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Russ's comment
Mr. Flutter

I smell Richard all the way over here in "MY little mis-fit world".. OH !!! - and by the way "Chief Rueben Catillo (I NEED ANOTHER TACO) Stadanko" How about checking the fit of the mis-fit tampon in your big taco?? chief Stadanko--- all they wanted to do was watch an exceptionally talented band, PERFORM!!!
they weren't trying to export your country's prized GOODS.. They simply wanted to see a good show..my gosh..
( MISFITS?? ) OUCH!!

March 12 2010 at 5:16 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply