Members of psych folk rock outfit The Brian Jonestown Massacre took to brawling with each other onstage amid the band’s show last night (November 21st) in Melbourne, Australia. That physical altercation took place six songs into the group’s set as tensions flared between vocalist Anton Newcombe and guitarist Ryan Van Kriedt.
The turning point was when Newcombe addressed his bandmate from the stage, stating:
“Cut off this guy’s mic, put down my guitar, party’s over captain. We actually don’t need you. Go! Put my guitar down on the stage and think about what’s happening.”
Van Kriedt responded, “You better think about this one, man. Because this is forever.” The altercation turned physical shortly there afterwards with the melee ensuring onstage in front of the audience. The band’s set was cut short as a result of the incident.
Newcombe, who has had a documented history of past substance abuse, is said to have taken issue with Van Kriedt throughout the set, repeatedly throwing barbs his way, while also being verbally abusive to the crowd during the show prior to the incident.
Newcombe founded the aforementioned group back in 1990, with Van Kriedt joining the roster in 2015.