The Brian Jonestown Massacre’s concert in Melbourne, Australia on Tuesday descended into chaos after frontman Anton Newcombe and guitarist Ryan Van Kriedt brawled onstage.
As depicted in fan-captured video posted on social media, the musicians began fighting after Newcombe appeared to fire Van Kriedt in the middle of the concert. “Cut off this guy’s mic, put down my guitar, party’s over captain,” Newcombe said to Van Kriedt. “We actually don’t need you. Go! Put my guitar down on the stage and think about what’s happening.”
“You better think about this one, man. Because this is forever!” Van Kriedt responded as he took off his guitar and began to exit the stage. As he approached Newcombe, the two gave each other the middle finger and got into a shoving match. Newcombe appeared to then swing a guitar at Van Kriedt, leading to a full-fledged brawl, with both men ending up on the floor.
The remainder of the concert was canceled, and the rest of the band’s tour of Australia has been called off as well, according to ABC News.
The Brian Jonestown Massacre have yet to publicly address the incident, but it’s certainly not the first time the band has experienced an onstage meltdown.
As captured in the documentary DIG!, there’s been a long history of contentious behavior between Newcombe and his bandmates. Among the many incidents, Newcombe fired a bandmate onstage for playing a wrong note during a 1996 industry showcase at the Viper Room in Los Angeles, leading to an all-out brawl.
See footage of the latest incident in Melbourne below.
Dramatic end to the Brian Jonestown Massacre show in Melbourne tonight… pic.twitter.com/gQbdAVT6Tt
— Mike Alexander (@ma261065) November 21, 2023
The Brian Jonestown Massacre gig at the Forum Melbourne tonight ended up really absurd. What ever happened, will always love their music and wish you well Anton. pic.twitter.com/X9Ct2QVZMc
— Adi D. (@adidh_) November 21, 2023
Tonight’s Melbourne show ended in a fist fight ahahaha this fucken band man
byu/OldMateGussy inBJM
