Spiritbox vocalist Courtney LaPlante has responded to criticism surrounding the recent ejection of a concertgoer during the band’s July 15 performance in Phoenix, AZ, pushing back on claims that the fan was removed simply for moshing or crowd killing.
The incident, which occurred while Spiritbox were opening for Evanescence, gained attention earlier this week after footage surfaced showing LaPlante pausing the set to help direct security toward a disruptive attendee.
While some critics accused the vocalist of having a fan removed for engaging in pit activity, LaPlante has since clarified that the individual in question was allegedly assaulting other attendees.
“It was old drunk man punching people in head who were facing the stage in small amphitheater vip pit, several times while we were playing. Not appropriate or fun for anyone else there!”
According to LaPlante, the situation had been brought to security’s attention multiple times before the fan was ultimately removed.
“I didn’t say what was happening on stage, and it doesn’t say what actually happened in the article, but I wasn’t thinking about the internet when I stopped the show, 3 times we told security about him so that was the final straw and I’m glad I did it, he wasn’t moshing.”
The vocalist also acknowledged that some of the criticism stemmed from incomplete information surrounding the incident.
“So I get that it’s easy to dunk on us, with the info actually provided. It is what it is, the person who already thinks I’m lame and not a part of this culture isn’t crazy to assume from the article that I kicked someone out for moshing, and I will survive another day.”
Addressing another point of contention, LaPlante explained that comments she made during the incident—including joking references to “karate” and describing the event as a “rock show”—were intended to defuse tension after attendees had reportedly been struck.
“I think it was just because of my ‘karate’ comment, I was trying to make a light joke to kind of break the tension, people were really freaked out by that guy punching kids in the face. I also called it a rock show, bc it IS-we are opening for EV. I’m a guest in their house.”
The controversy has sparked debate across social media, with supporters praising LaPlante for intervening to protect concertgoers, while critics questioned whether the fan’s removal was justified. Based on LaPlante’s latest comments, she maintains the decision was made due to repeated reports of the attendee physically assaulting people in the crowd rather than participating in normal pit activity.
Spiritbox currently remain on the road with Evanescence and Nova Twins, with the following dates left on the tour:
- 07/25 — Salt Lake City, UT — Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre
- 07/28 — St. Louis, MO — Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
- 07/30 — Cuyahoga Falls, OH — Blossom Music Center
- 08/01 — Cincinnati, OH — Riverbend Music Center
- 08/02 — Clarkston, MI — Pine Knob Music Theatre
If you’re rocking with The Mosh Network, hit the link and add us as a Preferred Source on Google. That’s the easiest way to keep our latest metal, hardcore, and alternative news, tours, and releases showing up directly in your feed.
