Lamb Of God Banned In Malaysia

Yes, a band that’s played around the world, the same group whose lead singer survived incarceration in a Czech Republic jail, just might be offensive to the moral sensibilities of the good people of Malaysia.  That’s the opinion of the country’s Communications and Multimedia Ministry which denied the band’s permit for a Sept. 28 performance in Kuala Lumpur.  The ministry claimed the band infringed “on religious sensitivities and cultural values” of the Malaysian people, according to local newspaper The Star.

But the ministry wasn’t the only organization objecting to Lamb Of God’s planned concert.  The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) objected to the show as well.  The organization’s director-general, Datuk Othman Mustapha described the band’s music as a “mix of metal songs with the reading of verses from the Quran,” reported The Star.

Lamb Of God guitarist Mark Morton issued a response to the banning, noting that the show had already gone on sale and had sold over 1,500 tickets.

“It is very evident (and a bit frustrating) that the groups, parties and powers that have taken the most offense to our music and lyrics, have themselves only made a passing glance at the content and meanings of those songs,” Morton said. 

“We would invite anyone offended by our music to engage in a discussion regarding the true motivations behind our work, especially before publicly slandering us based on assumptions and shallow misinterpretation.  We sincerely apologize to our amazing fans in Malaysia for the cancellation.  Many thanks to all who have spoken out in support of us through this.”

The Malaysia cancelation is the only show scratched from the band’s South Pacific tour.  Gigs scheduled for New Zealand, Australia and Thailand will go ahead as scheduled.  Visit Lamb-Of-God.com for more information.