There can be a lot of tension and excitement in the moments before a legendary punk band like Cro-Mags take the stage. However, any good feelings here were certainly ruined by the following incident involving band members past and present, and a hunting knife.
At approximately 8:15 last night, New York Post reports, 42-year old Cro-Mags founder and former bassist Harley Flanagan (pictured left) stormed the VIP balcony section of Webster Hall in New York, causing panic:
“Someone was yelling, ‘Get his hands, get his hands, he’s got a knife!’ ” witness Dave Gustav said. “Everything went nuts.”
Fighting through the crowd, Flanagan made it to the band’s dressing room where he attacked, slashing members William Berario and Michael Couis with the hunting knife. Berario was also bitten on the cheek. Assumedly, this is when the security guards were able to contain Flanagan from further injuring anybody.
All three were taken to the hospital for non-life threatening wounds. Flanagan is facing 2 counts of 2nd degree assault and weapons charges. The show (also featuring Sick Of It All) was cancelled.
“His hands were handcuffed but he still gave everyone the finger.” eyewitness Justin Brannan reported as the tumultuous night came to a close.
When the Cro-Mags reformed most recently Flanagan was either not asked or chose not to rejoin. No word yet on what set him off on his murderous rage but tensions had always been high between he and other members when he was actually in the band. We’ll keep you posted as the story develops.