Bangkok fans throw bottles after Deftones nix show

[February 16, 2011]  BANGKOK (AP) -- Angry concertgoers hurled chairs and broke windows after the Grammy-winning American rock band the Deftones called off their show at a Bangkok stadium claiming the arena's electrical power was unsafe.

Tuesday's concert at the Thunderdome arena was scheduled to start at 8 p.m., but organizers announced at around 9:30 p.m. that the show was canceled due to electrical problems, prompting an angry outburst by some fans who were waiting outside.

A few hundred fans "started throwing bottles at the stadium building, breaking windows and vandalizing tents and beer booths outside the venue. Some of the tents were set on fire," said police Lt. Tawatchai Jongyingcharoen.

He said that by the time police arrived, the ruckus had stopped. Nobody was injured or detained.

Early Wednesday, the Deftones posted an apology on their website and Facebook page.

"Due to local power issues that threatened the safety of the band and their fans, Deftones were forced to cancel their show last night at the Thunderdome in Bangkok, Thailand. Deftones would like to apologize to those that were inconvenienced and hope to return to Thailand in the near future. Refund info to follow soon," the band said.

Pakarn Kiatpinyo, a 27-year-old Thai musician who was at the event, said he blamed organizers.

"As a musician, I understand 100 percent why the band didn't want to play. I blame the concert organizers for not being professional enough to prepare the equipment."

"I've been waiting to see this band for 10 years," he said. "I was disappointed."

The Deftones came together in Sacramento in 1988 and released their first album in 1995 on Madonna's Maverick Records label. A song on their 2000 album "White Pony" earned the band a Grammy Award for best metal performance.

The Bangkok show was part of a tour to promote their latest album, "Diamond Eyes." The band was scheduled to play in Singapore on Wednesday night.

[Associated Press; By THANYARAT DOKSONE]

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