HALFORD Manager Says A Single Person Caused Collapse Of METAL GODS Tour

May 3, 2003

HALFORD manager John Baxter has offered more details regarding the cancellation of The 2003 Metal Gods North American Tour, a multi-band package featuring HALFORD, co-headliners TESTAMENT, IMMORTAL, CARNAL FORGE, PRIMAL FEAR, PAINMUSEUM, and AMON AMARTH.

According to Baxter, "It was a single individual that caused the collapse of the tour. The individual's employer [apparently referring to the Universal Attractions booking agency—ed.] was unaware of what their employee was doing until early this week, and the matter was eventually brought to my attention on Tuesday [April 29]. I worked tirelessly with everyone to try and overcome the problems.

"All the labels and managers understood it was going to be impossible for me to overcome what had been set in motion, but I gave it all my attention with hopes of finding a solution.

"Please realize I began work on this tour last September, believing the hard core metal fans would show up if I could get it on the road. This was my baby and it became all of [the fans'] once we debuted. I can't say there isn't anyone hurt more by this news than me because I know each of [the fans is] as passionate about metal as I, or [they] wouldn't be visiting [the official HALFORD site] and attending the shows.

"I can't give a timeline as to when specifics can be released. This is now a very serious legal matter, and it will be resolved the way all legal matters are resolved — with time.

"Again, none of the bands [on the tour] were involved [in the cancellation of the tour], and none will be facing any type litigation.

"[The] bands were not arguing. There was an outstanding level of professionalism carried by all the bands, managements and labels.

"The activity [that caused the tour's cancellation] took place away from everyone's view.

"Everyone in the entourage is bitterly angry, but now realize we all have to recover and move on. Not comforting but realistic.

"Both New York shows [at B.B. King's in New York City on Friday, May 2 and Saturday, May 3] will go as planned.

"We've looked at this from dozens of angles since Tuesday afternoon. Pulling the shows was the last option.

"Rob is too angry to do anything other than give [New York] the performances of his life."

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