Florida man killed at Corrosion of Conformity show

Fri Jun 24, 2005 04:25 PM ET

By Jonathan Cohen

NEW YORK (Billboard) - Four people were stabbed, one fatally, during a show Thursday by hard rock band Corrosion Of Conformity show in Tampa, Fla.

According to police, a fight between two women broke out in front of the stage at the Masquerade theater in the historic Ybor City district, and spread to other members of the audience.

A 30-year-old St. Petersburg, Fla., resident died; his wife is in critical but stable condition at Tampa General Hospital. Two other people were treated for injuries and released.

The male suspect fled the scene while waving a knife at members of the audience, police said.

"In 20-plus years of gigging, we've never seen anything like this," said a statement on Corrosion Of Conformity's Web site (http://www.coc.com). "It's sad that people can't come together for a good time, listening to music, without something tragic happening. We feel for the families of those attacked and wish success to Tampa law enforcement in their quest to solve this pointless crime."

The group, which won some commercial success in the 1990s with punk/metal crossover tunes such as "Albatross" and "Clean My Wounds," is touring in support of its recently-released album, "In the Arms of God."

Reuters/Billboard

06/24/05 Message from Mike

People please, if someone spills your drink or steps on your foot or hurts your feelings, it might be better to laugh it off and walk away. If some one is really creating a dangerous situation, alert the security people at the show. They are professionals or at least they get paid to handle such situations without you putting yourself in legal or physical danger.

Many people will act as if you've insulted their alleged honor but will show no honor in settling a situation. They may produce a knife our gun and as in the case of our recent Tampa show, kill or injure unarmed individuals.

This tragedy is possible anywhere people gather and especially where alcohol is involved. It also is a possibility wherever nihilism sets in, as I'm afraid it has in the world of heavy metal, where we find ourselves categorized, for better, or more likely for worse. I'm not trying to espouse any lofty ideals or spirituality but could we at least aim as high as everyone coming together however briefly, to have a good time without hurting anyone?

As fans of rock'n'roll, it's up to us to show that we can have these events without violence or unnecessary tragedy. It is important to note that it takes only one wing nut or sociopath to ruin your whole day or end your whole life. Don't be that ******* and most importantly, point him out to security or club management.

Also an important afterthought: Don't be so quick to criticize media for "negative reporting" or stereotyping while reporting on this tragedy.
There IS a lot of negativity involved in the heavy metal crowd.
Of course the bad seeds are in the minority, but look how much damage one person on one night can do.

Of course there are some slight inaccuracies in reporting and reporters are prejudiced by the nihilistic and sometimes violence-glorifying images of some groups and some fans.
Show that you are above this destructive stereotype. Our band has been committed to a higher standard for some time but it is an uphill struggle to be sure.

Every day in every situation, the power is yours so use it wisely.

mike d.

06/24/05 Message from Pepper

People are fighting for their lives right now due to last night's events. We need everyone to focus their positive energies towards these individuals to help them, and everybody affected, pull through this tragedy.

This is not what it's supposed to be about. Respectfully,

Pepper

06/24/05 Saddened by last night's events

We are stunned and deeply saddened by the brutal stabbings of three people at the Tampa show last night.
We don't have much information at this time.
Unofficially we have heard that one victim didn't make it.
In twenty plus years of gigging we've never seen anything like this.
It's sad that people can't come together for a good time listening to music without something tragic happening.
We feel for the families of those attacked and wish success to Tampa law enforcement in their quest to solve this pointless crime.
Take care of each other and go in peace.

Anyone who has any information or saw anything should
contact the Tampa Police at 813-276-3200.

Another very sad situation that I'm sorry had to happen. Or I should say didn't have to happen. Also, the fact that it happened at a heavy metal show doesn't help. This could have easily happened at a country act or a R&B show.

What a shame when you're only going to a show to get away from everything for just a few hours and you end up hurt, or worse, dead.