More artists have come forward since MetalSucks reported a history of sexual assault, bullying, harassment, racism, etc. allegations against concert booker and First Row Talent owner John Finberg. While a few bands have yet to address the issue publicly, Insomnium and Omnium Gatherum have cut ties with Finberg. Iced Earth and U.D.O issued statements clarifying they haven’t been involved with Finberg in quite some time, if at all.
Insomnium:
“This is something that we also have to say loud and clear: We do not tolerate any form of harassment, sexism or bullying. John Finberg / First Row Talent does not anymore represent INSOMNIUM in North America or any other territory.”
Omnium Gatherum:
“Due to recent events and allegations – John Finberg / First Row Talent doesn’t anymore represent Omnium Gatherum in North America.
Omnium Gatherum doesn’t support any kind of sexism, racism, nor bullying!
the OG’s”
Iced Earth:
“It seems there was some confusion the last few days about First Row Talent representing Iced Earth. To be clear, John Finberg never was an agent for Iced Earth. I met him many years ago and had zero interest in working with him. It was very clear to me the kind of person he is, and his reputation is one of the worst in the business. He was the booking agent for several bands that we have toured with through the years, and a shady ex-manager of Iced Earth hired his company to do meet and greets for a tour several years ago. When I found out well into the tour that his company was running the meet and greets, I had angry words with said former manager. The music business is filled with these scumbags. Good riddance. -JS”
U.D.O:
“In the past Dirkschneider and U.D.O. have worked with John Finberg but stopped all cooperation after we realized his character. We are shocked how disgusting the situation looks right now but also glad some people had the balls to go public. For us he is history since a long time but there is no way back to work with him ever again.
Furthermore we stay united against each kind of intolerance
such as sexism, racism etc.
There is no place for this in metal and no place for this on this planet.
We would like to encourage everyone to speak up and fight these disgusting
behaviours everywhere!”
