Flint, MI’s King 810 had been set to close out the year with a series of four shows, promising “immersive events” in 360 degree sound. However, showgoers to Saturday’s Detroit show at Saint Andrews Hall never got to witness the show, as the band pulled out at the last minute because they weren’t allowed to bring firearms into the venue. This is the second show this month that didn’t take place, after their Chicago show was canceled over the band’s violent imagery. Here’s what the band’s David Gunn says about the band pulling out of the show:
“The Family,
We’re canceling tonight’s show at Saint Andrew’s Hall here in Detroit. Upon arrival, every case we were carrying was wanded and searched. All of us are we’re searched and re-searched every time we entered the venue, which we were fine with.
During this process they let us know that they don’t do this to other groups and that essentially they were singling us out. After informing them that a few people in the group are licensed to carry for security measures we were still not allowed to come onto their property with protection. Michigan is an open carry state.
We’ve made this stand completely clear.
We had every intention on playing and were looking forward to the show, as the biggest one of our careers to date. This is not an easy decision to make, but we have to answer to ourselves first and foremost.This is not about shows or weapons.
This is about our inherent rights. They will surely try to sweep this under the rug and spun as “unforeseen circumstances.” But we tell the truth to the people.These people tried to tell us police officers can’t even carry guns into their establishment.
If this is where this country is headed. God damn.
More soon.
– Gunn”
Apparently, it was only one gun that the band wanted to bring into the venue for security, but Saint Andrews had a rule, and they stuck to it. It makes sense that they might not want a gun in a sold-out venue, despite the fact that Michigan is an open carry state. It seems like it’s something that should have been ironed out with the band and the venue long before the night of the show, especially with people having traveled from out of state to attend the show. Apparently, the shows in Cleveland and Valpraiso, IN went off without incident.
