A hardcore show at New York’s Webster Hall was shut down on July 7th after former Cro-Mags co-founder and bassist Harley Flanagan reportedly stabbed current Cro-Mags bassist Mike Couls with knife on the arm and stomach, and bit William Berario on the cheek and also slashed him above the eye.
Photo by Dave Gustav/Bowery Boogie
The Cro-Mags were scheduled to play New York’s CBGB Festival along with Sick of It All and Vision of Disorder. The New York Post and eyewitnesses reported that Flanagan found his way into the VIP area with hunting knife around 8 pm EST and attacked Couls and Berario. Security subdued him and was held until the New York Police Department arrived. Flanagan reportedly suffered a broken leg in the scuffle, was taken into custody wheeled out handcuffed to a wheelchair. Couls, Berario and Flanagan were all treated for their wounds at Bellevue Hospital.
Photo via Bowery Boogie
Tensions between Flanagan and Cro-Mags vocalist John Joseph McGowan has existed for three decades. McGowan told the New York Post in an interview that Flanagan had repeatedly made threats on Facebook about attacking the current band.
Following the incident, Webster Hall cancelled the show and issued a statement via Twitter: “Due to circumstances beyond our control, tonight’s event has been postponed. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.”
The Cro-Mags have issued a statement in regards to the incident:
We…as a band are truly sorry for the way it all turned out in every regard even the ex-member who’s family is now effected by his choices. Our prayers go out to them as well as Mike C., and the others who were hurt, but it was “his” choice to come to our concert with a hunting knife, standing by our dressing door. Who knows what his actual intent was, obviously he wasn’t there with it to cut bread for a peace offering as he was heard saying outside he was putting an end to us playing without him. Let’s move on now & stop the trash-talking. Keep that PMA – that’s what we are all about.
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