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The Avett Brothers Cancels Oregon Show After Armed Man Enters Venue; Show Rescheduled Sept. 21
Michael Duffy – The Avett Brothers
The Avett Brothers make a stop at Rabobank Theater in Bakersfield, Calif., March 27.
The Avett Brothers canceled the third of three shows at McMenamins Edgefield Amphitheater in Troutdale, Ore., saying a man claiming to be an out of state law enforcement officer entered the show despite being told to wait for clearance from security.
“Due to the obvious threat posed by someone in the audience with a firearm, regardless of his (unconfirmed) claim of being a member of law enforcement, we were obligated, for the safety of everyone present, to cancel the performance,” the band said in a statement July 7, the night of the show. The Edgefield date was rescheduled shortly to Sept. 21, a representative for the band told Pollstar.
The band has been on the road for much of the spring, with dates scheduled through the summer including three already sold-out nights at Red Rocks near Denver, the new InCuya Festival in Cleveland, and one night at The Gorge in Washington.
Recent boxoffice reports submitted to Pollstar include two shows at Township Auditorium in Columbia, S.C., April 7-8, which sold out 6,356 tickets and grossed $407,000, a sold-out KIva Auditorium in Albuquerque, N.M., which grossed $118,000 and three shows at The Louisville Palace Theatre in Kentucky Jan 18-20, which sold out at 7,488 tickets and grossed $563,427. The band is booked by New Frontier Touring.
The band’s full statement is below:
Jul 7, 2018
This evening, during the admission process at our show at the Edgefield McMenamins in Troutdale, Oregon, an individual passing through the metal detector was found to be carrying a gun. When confronted by the security guard and informed of the no-firearm policy of the venue, the individual stated that he was an out-of-state police officer and showed a badge. The security guard then asked the individual to wait for the manager so his entry could be confirmed. The individual disregarded her instructions and ventured immediately into the size-able audience. After an exhaustive search of the venue by the security staff of both the band and the venue, the individual was not located.
Due to the obvious threat posed by someone in the audience with a firearm, regardless of his (unconfirmed) claim of being a member of law enforcement, we were obligated, for the safety of everyone present, to cancel the performance.
It was unfortunate that such action had to be taken, but we have no regret in being in a position to make a decision which helps to keep our fans safe.
We look forward to making this performance up at the earliest possible juncture. Once the details are sorted for this, we will get the word out immediately.
Thank you for your understanding in this matter, and much love to you all for the continued support, love, and consideration…
Sincerely,
The Avett Brothers