The Avett Brothers Cancel Oregon Show Due To Safety Concerns

On Saturday night The Avett Brothers were set to close out a three-night run at Edgefield McMenamins in Troutdale, Oregon when they were unexpectedly forced to cancel their scheduled show out of safety concerns. Prior to the start of the show, the band was informed that a man with a gun had entered the venue and then disappeared into the sold-out crowd.

According to a post on the band’s website the person had triggered the metal detector and “when confronted by the security guard and informed of the no-firearm policy of the venue, the individual stated that he was an out-of-state police officer and showed a badge.” The individual was then asked to wait for the venue’s manager to confirm his story, but they disregarded instructions and made their way into the crowd.

The statement went on to read that after an extensive search he couldn’t be located and because of “the obvious threat posed by someone in the audience with a firearm regardless of his (unconfirmed) claim of being a member of law enforcement” the show was canceled.

The Avetts and the venue have promised that a make-up date will be announced in the near future.

Read the full statement from The Avetts Brother below:

This evening, during the admission process at our show at the Edgefield McMenamins in Troutdale, Oregon, an individual passing through the metal detector was found to be carrying a gun. When confronted by the security guard and informed of the no-firearm policy of the venue, the individual stated that he was an out-of-state police officer and showed a badge. The security guard then asked the individual to wait for the manager so his entry could be confirmed. The individual disregarded her instructions and ventured immediately into the size-able audience. After an exhaustive search of the venue by the security staff of both the band and the venue, the individual was not located.

Due to the obvious threat posed by someone in the audience with a firearm, regardless of his (unconfirmed) claim of being a member of law enforcement, we were obligated, for the safety of everyone present, to cancel the performance.

It was unfortunate that such action had to be taken, but we have no regret in being in a position to make a decision which helps to keep our fans safe.

We look forward to making this performance up at the earliest possible juncture. Once the details are sorted for this, we will get the word out immediately.

Thank you for your understanding in this matter, and much love to you all for the continued support, love, and consideration…

Sincerely, The Avett Brothers