Randy Blythe Freed From Jail

[Rustee]

Originally Posted by UG.com

Randy Blythe has been freed after spending four weeks in a Czech prison.

He has already boarded a flight to New York to step back on US soil and see his family.

The Lamb Of God frontman was arrested in late June for allegedly pushing a fan from the stage into the crowd at a show in Prague two years ago, which may have caused a fatal injury. Blythe maintains his innocence, and Classic Rock reports that Czech authorities never formally charged him. His case will be heard in November.

Blythe initially posted bail of $200,000 — roughly equal to his annual salary — but the prosecutor filed a complaint to say he was a flight risk, meaning they believed he would not return to face the court. His bail was then doubled to $400,000, and the prosecutor repeated their complaint, but a decision was reached yesterday (August 4) to free him.

"As a world-renowned artist, in a specific genre of music, of course, he cannot afford to simply disappear," explained his attorney Martin Radvan (via Blabbermouth), who told the court that his position as a public figure would make it difficult to go into hiding. "If he wants to continue performing, he will have to return. And he wants to return because he believes he is not guilty of anything he has been charged with."

Blythe's defence case is strong, according to Jonathan Crane from the Prague Post. "Even if Randy was responsible for the alleged attack, the expert said that who is to say that he wasn't accidentally kicked or trodden on or left without help by fans below the stage," he said.

Awesome news.

[Zulphur]

Finally...........

[Joose]

Hoorah!

Ready for an interview without a guy stopping him to translate. Hard to watch, but I did anyway. Such a humble dude.

[IdentityDevice]

Really glad just like everyone else to hear that he is out! His outlook on things is definitely inspiring!

[VBCheeseGrater]

RANDY BLYTHE OFFICIAL STATEMENT
Greetings. This is D. Randall Blythe, checking in from my beloved hometown of Richmond, VA, United States of America. I was recently released on bail from Pankrác Prison in Prague, Czech Republic, after over a month of incarceration. Now that I am out for the moment, I would like to say a few things.

1. While in prison, I had minimal knowledge of how my case was viewed anywhere but the Czech Republic. I was told by my attorney that I had a lot support from peers in the music industry, my hometown, fans, and of course my family. I cannot express how emotional it made me upon my release to read about even a fraction of the voices that were raised on my behalf. From legends in my music community, to fans across the world, and even people who were previously unaware of my existence but sympathized with my plight- I am truly humbled. I cannot thank you enough for your thoughts and prayers. I would especially like to thank the people of Richmond, VA, for standing by me. In the 48 hours I have been home, many people I have never met before have stopped me on the street, waved and smiled as I passed by, or said hello in a restaurant. All have said "We are glad you are home, Randy". You all make me proud and grateful that I call Richmond home.

2. I would like state that I suffered no abuse, from either authorities or inmates, during my incarceration in Pankrác. I received no special treatment, and was in general population with everyone else- make no mistake, it was prison, not some celebrity rehab tv show. But I was treated fairly by the guards and kindly by my fellow inmates. People are dying of starvation all over the world. Men and women are losing their lives daily in the Middle East and other war torn regions. I had food, clothes, shelter, and no one was trying to kill me. I cannot complain over a short stay in prison while many people elsewhere fight to survive on a daily basis.

3. If it is deemed necessary for me to do so, I WILL return to Prague to stand trial. While I maintain my innocence 100%, and will do so steadfastly, I will NOT hide in the United States, safe from extradition and possible prosecution. As I write this, the family of a fan of my band suffers through the indescribably tragic loss of their child. They have to deal with constantly varying media reports about the circumstances surrounding his death. I am charged with maliciously causing severe bodily harm to this young man, resulting in his death. While I consider the charge leveled against me ludicrous and without qualification, my opinion makes no difference in this matter. The charge exists, and for the family of this young man, questions remain. The worst possible pain remains. It is fairly common knowledge amongst fans of my band that I once lost a child as well. I, unfortunately, am intimately familiar with what their pain is like. Therefore, I know all too well that in their time of grief, this family needs and deserves some real answers, not a media explosion followed by the accused killer of their son hiding like a coward thousands of miles away while they suffer. I am a man. I was raised to face my problems head on, not run from them like a petulant child. I hope that justice is done, and the family of Daniel N. will receive the closure they undoubtably need to facilitate healing. I feel VERY STRONGLY that as an adult, it would be both irresponsible and immoral for me not to return to Prague if I am summoned. This is not about bail money. This is about a young man who lost his life. I will act with honor, and I will fight to clear my good name in this matter. Thank you for reading this, and I wish you all peace.

[ArrowHead]

Well spoken, Randy. Here's hoping a well translated version of that makes its way to the family of the victim and the media reports over there.

[dvon21]

I haven't any information from the case or any facts or testimony other than this. But from what I can tell, Blythe is a very intelligent man and I respect that. I'm not going to form any conclusions but I hope justice is found; both judicial and moral.

On another note, reading Randy's spoken word is so pleasant for the eyes. You can hear the lyricism in his day-to-day speech.

[octatonic]

Randy has big brass balls.
Kudos to him.

[NovaReaper]

so it's awesome news that murderers get off scott free? the man is a scumbag and needs to rot in jail.

[Xaios]

Originally Posted by NovaReaper

so it's awesome news that murderers get off scott free? the man is a scumbag and needs to rot in jail.

Whoa now, hold the phone son.

A) While he has been charged with murder, he has not been convicted in a court of law, and was in fact granted bail by the very same court that will be hearing the case.

B) Contrary to what you've said, he hasn't gotten off "scott free," because last I looked, he has yet to be exonerated.

C) What proof, exactly, do you have that Randy Blythe is a scumbag? I'm not much of a Lamb of God fan, but just about everything I've heard about Randy prior to this incident suggests that he's a pretty stand-up guy.

Use your head next time, before you post something so factually, embarassingly wrong.

[NovaReaper]

the entire band just has that douchebag rockstar attitude about everything. loads of that + influence of big name labels + brainwashed fans = free passes to do anything you want. hell, how many times do you hear about rappers and pop stars getting away with all sorts of crazy shit? lamb of god is pop music, so i'm not really surprised at how this all turned out but i'm still disgusted.

embarassed? yeah, i'm pretty embarassed that this band gets categorized as a heavy metal band, not really of my posts though.

[Xaios]

Wow, so the whole crux of your argument is "they're not true metal enough?" That's just screwed up, no two ways about it. Stating uncategorically that you a) believe a person is trash, and b) are absolutely convinced of their guilt regarding a very serious charge simply because you don't like their music runs counter to a) due process, and b) basic reasoning.

Also, it's worth noting that there are several rappers who have been convicted of crimes and have served time in prison. That doesn't exactly sound like "getting away with all sorts of crazy shit." Still though, nice strawman.

[Konfyouzd]

[Konfyouzd]

Originally Posted by NovaReaper

the entire band just has that douchebag rockstar attitude about everything. loads of that + influence of big name labels + brainwashed fans = free passes to do anything you want. hell, how many times do you hear about rappers and pop stars getting away with all sorts of crazy shit? lamb of god is pop music, so i'm not really surprised at how this all turned out but i'm still disgusted.

embarassed? yeah, i'm pretty embarassed that this band gets categorized as a heavy metal band, not really of my posts though.

So because a few famous ppl have gotten off easy that's how it works for all of them? Lemme put something into perspective for you... TI is on a whole other level of recognition from Randy Blythe, first of all.

It's not like he got off because his music is known and loved the world over. There are about 20 ppl in my general vecinity RIGHT NOW who don't know who he is and could give a .... less who he is, so let's stop pretending fame and fortune are the reasons he's free.

And if all of that wasn't enough, it's not like he's even being tried in the states...

@Xiaos - I kinda get the whole "getting away with murder thing" as it pertains to rappers and the like as it does seem that they get a lighter sentence than they would had they been in their former, not-so-rich, situation. However, that's also the case for a lot of folks with that kind of money. You know... White collar folks...

[ArrowHead]

Originally Posted by NovaReaper

the entire band just has that douchebag rockstar attitude about everything.

example?

loads of that + influence of big name labels + brainwashed fans = free passes to do anything you want.

He's awaiting trial for killing someone on a $400,000 bail bond. That is a free pass?

hell, how many times do you hear about rappers and pop stars getting away with all sorts of crazy shit?

Seldom. More often I hear about them spending time in jail when they commit a crime. See: DMX, among so many, many others.

lamb of god is pop music, so i'm not really surprised at how this all turned out but i'm still disgusted.

You have no idea what pop music is. Lamb of God is not pop by any definition of the word. They might not be the style of metal you prefer, but that's your problem, not Lamb of God's.

embarassed? yeah, i'm pretty embarassed that this band gets categorized as a heavy metal band, not really of my posts though.

Again, you sound like a teenage elitist. And you're incapable of separating your distaste for a band or it's fans from a real life pretty serious trial and potential consequences. And you have shown a complete misunderstanding of the facts of the matter. When I step in it, I tend to feel embarrassed. You should too.

[Konfyouzd]

^ Correction...

He sounds like the famous ppl he seems to detest... They're about the only ones in society that can be dead wrong, give zero ....s and keep walking around like their shit doesn't stink.

[goherpsNderp]

if his popularity had anything to do with anything like these celebs you speak of he would have been out of there within a few days, not WEEKS and with the $500k bail.

it's also a lot different than when celebs are proven guilty of something AND THEN let off on a relatively weak punishment- if any. or their career goes undamaged despite beating the shit out of their wives. or arranging dog fights. +anything lohan/hilton have ever done ever.

[Konfyouzd]

Originally Posted by goherpsNderp

if his popularity had anything to do with anything like these celebs you speak of he would have been out of there within a few days, not WEEKS and with the $500k bail.

it's also a lot different than when celebs are proven guilty of something AND THEN let off on a relatively weak punishment- if any. or their career goes undamaged despite beating the shit out of their wives. or arranging dog fights. +anything lohan/hilton have ever done ever.

Is he even as universally popular as the folks to whom you've alluded? I listened to the band for 2 years before even knowing who he was.

[no_dice]

People I know say they've met and hung out with him and he is a real down to earth guy. I have seen nothing to prove otherwise, so I'm happy for him, and hopefully he can be done with this ordeal eventually.

[Xaios]

Originally Posted by Konfyouzd

@Xiaos - I kinda get the whole "getting away with murder thing" as it pertains to rappers and the like as it does seem that they get a lighter sentence than they would had they been in their former, not-so-rich, situation. However, that's also the case for a lot of folks with that kind of money. You know... White collar folks...

Fair enough, but in this instance it's an absolute non sequitor.

[Konfyouzd]

Originally Posted by Xaios

Fair enough, but in this instance it's an absolute non sequitor.

No doubt.

[NovaReaper]

alright guys im sorry randy blythe is a great man yes lamb of god is great hey i like slipknot too

[goherpsNderp]

Originally Posted by Konfyouzd

Is he even as universally popular as the folks to whom you've alluded? I listened to the band for 2 years before even knowing who he was.

exactly- he's not. so it's a hollow argument from novareaper that randy is some posh superstar that gets charges dropped against him with the flick of the wrist and a wink to his cronies in the judicial system of prague.

he spent weeks in jail and had to pay an extremely large sum of bail money. if this isn't evidence of him being treated like anyone else then i don't know what is.

[dvon21]

Originally Posted by NovaReaper

alright guys im sorry randy blythe is a great man yes lamb of god is great hey i like slipknot too

Obvious troll is obviously trying to add fuel to the fire that has already left him in bandages.

I just don't understand how you can't respect the integrity for which he has made proof of during this tragedy. He has already expressed his condolences enough. Even though he shouldn't have to prove his sympathy to us. His music is completely irrelevant to this entire process. And even if it were, he has always proven to be a man of his integrity. Don't confuse the fan culture with Randy Blythe's morality, that's just fallacious.

[NovaReaper]

i already said sorry and showed my condolences and integrity jeez, don't ban me plz