Hellfest posts cancellation statement Down

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This morning Hellfest made a new statement on their facebookpage. Last month, we already posted a news-message about the loss of government support for the festival, because they wouldn’t take Down of their bill. Apparently Down took matters into their own hands. Sadly, Down has to cancel their performance on Hellfest and (so it seems in the statement below) every other European festival for the 2016 festival-season. The organisation of Hellfest thanked their fans for the support and posted the personal statement from Phil Anselmo underneath their own statement. You can read it here:

“Dearest Ben-

Philip H. Anselmo here Brother…

First, and foremost, there is NO WAY I can possibly thank you enough for “fighting the good fight” for me, and ALL of my bands, namely Down in this instance. Your love & backbone will never be forgotten, and from this point on through the rest of my fighting life, I owe you every ounce of praise!

My AWFUL mistake has taken a toll on my reputation, and justly so! However I must point out, you damned-well KNOW ME better than this drunken incident could ever describe.

Hellfest is my heart!!!

And my embarrassment is tremendous, because I only have LOVE for people all over this skirmishing earth.

So my brother, it fucking rips my heart into further pieces to let you know, I don’t think I should do ANY Euro festivals this year.

So PLEASE I BEG YOU, give me this time to get my brain clear, and to come back (if you will have me back) next year my brother, I implore you!

Plus, the re-emergence of the knee injuries have been plaguing me of late as well, so I must address this too, through physical rehabilitation & rest.

Knowing my character, when I put my mind to something THIS DIRE, I come back 100-times better, and THAT’S what the Mighty Hellfest deserves!!!

My love for you & the rest of the gang that makes Hellfest THE TOPS, goes on and on and on…

Much love & respect-

Philip H. Anselmo (and the H. stands for HEALING)”

Posted by Hellfest Open Air Festival onThursday. March 10, 2016

As a replacement, Hellfest added Puscifer (Featuring James Maynard: Tool’s singer) to the bill.

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Hellfest 2016 takes place from the 17th till 19th of june 2016 in Clisson, France.
For more information check out their website and facebookpage.
Join the official facebook-event.
And read our own report on last year’s edition.

UPDATE 11/03: Graspop Metal Meeting also confirmed the cancellation of Down for their festival.