Fan Dies Of Natural Causes At Pitfest During Gorilla Biscuits Set, Harley Flanagan Speaks Out On Crowd Killing

The 10th annual Pitfest in Emmen, Netherlands was cut short on June 6 after a fan died during a performance by Gorilla Biscuits.

Festival organizers later confirmed that the individual passed away from natural causes after becoming unwell during the set. Following the incident, several performances scheduled for later in the day were canceled out of respect for the deceased, their loved ones, and those affected by the tragedy.

In a statement released by organizers, Pitfest said:

“It is with great sadness that we must announce that one of our visitors passed away during Pitfest.

During the performance of Gorilla Biscuits, someone became unwell on the premises. Despite the rapid response of the emergency services and medical professionals present, unfortunately, help came too late. It was later determined that the cause of death was natural.

Out of respect for the deceased, their family, friends, and everyone affected by this sad news, we decided to stop the live music at that moment.

Our thoughts go out to the bereaved. Words fail us at moments like these. We wish them much strength and courage in processing this loss.”

The statement also thanked emergency responders, staff, volunteers, and attendees who assisted during the situation.

Following the news, Cro-Mags vocalist and bassist Harley Flanagan, whose band performed at the festival, shared a message on social media expressing condolences while encouraging concertgoers to look out for one another in live music environments.

“I am hearing that there was a horrible incident at the show yesterday and that someone died.

I do not know the details. My heart goes out to them, their family and friends.

People please be careful when stage diving, catch each other. And when people fall, help them up. We are all part of the same family.”

Flanagan also used the opportunity to address crowd killing, a controversial practice associated with some hardcore shows, making it clear he has never supported it.

“I have never been a fan of ‘crowd killing.’ It’s childish. That shit was invented by bullies who are starting fights and jumping people at shows.

Let’s try to prevent these horrible things from happening.”

While organizers stated the death was determined to be from natural causes, the incident cast a somber tone over the remainder of the festival weekend.

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