The weekend was marked by a contentious incident involving the band BLACKBRAID at the Midgardsblot festival. The disagreement ensued a day after BLACKBRAID‘s top-billed performance on Friday night, and prior to a scheduled flute recital by the band’s lead vocalist, Sgah’gahsowáh, at the Saturday festival bonfire.
The crux of the matter is the band’s allegations of discriminatory treatment by the festival’s security team. These accusations stirred up strong reactions from both BLACKBRAID and their fans, triggering a storm of online activity. The release of screenshots and videos online gradually brought some clarity to what transpired. The band subsequently expressed regret for the “spitting situation” and concurred that “the situation was handled poorly on all sides.”
Later in the evening, prior to the vocalist’s unique flute performance by the bonfire, the atmosphere shifted significantly. The members of Blackbraid began to vocalize accusations of discrimination and racism. The band’s concerns with security were encapsulated in a statement made on their official Instagram account.
They mistook me for another brown person at the festival that they didn’t like, that’s the whole issue
All the guards see is a brown guy with long black hair and they want them gone. I posted exactly what happened, there’s no way I could be any clearer. Racial profiling [a]t it’s finest on behalf of the security staff
BLACKBRAID guitarist stated on his now-private Instagram account:
F**K MIDGARDSBLOT RACISCT F*CKS
As much as I was enjoying my experience towards the end they decided to show their true colors. Remember you wanted us here. Tag them and let my voice be heard.
The fans and everyone attending have been lovely but the production and security have been harassing me this all night so f**k them. Apparently laying down is a crime. I was kicked out for “sleeping” on a hill. They can f**k off for all I care. I will never play this festival again.
Nonetheless, the complexity of the situation became apparent as more details were scrutinized. A video showcasing the exchange between the band and security depicted a conversation that hinted at a more intricate situation. Claims of racial profiling were met with security’s concerns about public inebriation and Norwegian rules regarding sleeping in concert areas. The security guard also referenced the incident where a band member spat on the head of security, contributing to the escalating tension that culminated in the band’s expulsion.
It appears that ineffective communication triggered an unfortunate series of events, leading to the band eventually expressing regret over their behavior, stating:
“I apologize for my behavior in the situation, especially the spitting situation, and to the fans who have been upset by the situation, and to the festival staff who tried to handle the situation with security before it got out of hand. I was livid with the treatment we were receiving, and did not handle myself in a responsible way whatsoever. I let my anger get the best of me and my actions were out of line. We are grateful for any opportunity to play in Norway and hope to return one day under different circumstances.”
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