Bulgaria's TANGRA MEGA ROCK Comments On Bloody Concert Riot

Vassil Varbanov of Bulgaria's Tangra Mega Rock, which helped organize the June 20, 2007 concert at Universiada Hall in Sofia that became the site of a bloody fight between punks and skinheads, has issued the following statement:

"The sixth Tangra Mega Live show passed away successfully under the moniker Tangra Mega Rock Night at the Arena Muzika 2007 festival.

"About 1500 fans at Sofia's Universiada Hall witnessed and took part in the five-hour-long party featuring half a dozen Bulgarian and foreign bands. We won't mention their names once again, as this is not another dull press release meant to inform you something you already know.

"As you probably guess, the reason for these lines are the riots that started an hour after the concert's start outside the venue.

"The result — 8 injured and about the same number arrested. The media paid high attention to these riots and, after all, this blurred the fact that IN the venue the audience enjoyed a brilliant show.

"Tangra Mega Rock firmly disagreed and distances from those 30-40 people who attacked the fans in front of the hall.

"This group of rednecks, who had the obvious intention NOT to attend the concert, came and started throwing bottles at the fans.

"Although being officially warned a week ago, the police had obviously underestimated the event, as there were just a couple of officers outside the hall.

"However, although emerging too late, the police put everything under control 15 minutes after it had started.

"Unfortunately, 90 minutes after the accident and the concert was going on smoothly, the police came at the backstage entrance of the hall and insisted the show to be stopped immediately. Tangra Mega Rock's team tried to explain what fatal consequences such an act would have on the people inside the venue, and what riots it would cause.

"After all, THE EXPLOITED finnished their set (although the light went on during the last three songs),the fans were happy, and Tangra Mega Rock was charged for disobeying the police...

"I myself terribly regret for being able to see just two minutes of the performance of one of my all-time favourite bands. Maybe we should bring THE EXPLOITED to Sofia again.

"Now is the time to thank to:

1. The fans who came to enjoy this Tangra Mega Rock show;
2. The entire Tangra Mega Rock team;
3. The ambulance and medics;
4. Nikor Security who made everything inside the Universiada Hall go smoothly;
5. The Universiada Hall employees;
6. Those police officers who thought wisely."

For more information on the Sofia concert riot, click here.