HARLEY FLANAGAN attacks current CRO-MAGS members [UPDATE]

CRO-MAGS founder Harley Flanagan was arrested for attacking, biting and stabbing current members backstage during New York City’s CBGB Festival (we’re collecting videos from the CBGB Weekend here, also go here to find out more about the fest itself).

Flanagan was taken away by police in handcuffs. Current CRO-MAGS bassist Mike “The Gook” Couls (ex-SWORN ENEMY and COLD AS LIFE) may have been the stabbing victim, as GlueHC reported. All this happened just before the band were to hit the stage, just before 8 PM. The gig was canceled.

Go here to read more about the details of this sad event.

CRO-MAGS commented (click the link to see how their fans divide over the incident):

We are all okay. I guess when you’re a racist with a swatstika tattoo and your wife leaves you for a black man and no one will play music with you because of YOUR shitty attitude Mr Flanagan – you resort to ruining shit for everyone by stabbing your replacement. Cro-Mags will make up the show with S.O.A.I. We apologize. PMA always wins!

WE… as a band are truly sorry for the way it all turned out in every regard even the ex-member who’s family is now effected by his choices. Our prayers go out to them as well as Mike C., and the others who were hurt, but it was ‘his’ choice to come to our concert with a hunting knife, standing by our dressing door. Who knows what his actual intent was, obviously he wasn’t there with it to cut bread for a peace offering as he was heard saying outside he was putting an end to us playing without him. Let’s move on now & stop the trash-talking. Keep that PMA – that’s what we are all about.

The CBGB Festival crew also issued the following statement:

We are saddened to learn about the events that occurred last night at Webster Hall. Our primary concern is always the safety and experience of New Yorkers, music fans and the general public. Naturally we will fully cooperate with law enforcement while hoping for the speedy recovery of those injured.

Live music can be incredibly uplifting, empowering and positive. We don’t feel the actions of one person should overshadow four amazing days and nights of events that include today’s historic and unprecedented free concerts in Times Square and Central Park.

-The CBGB Festival

Harley assaulted William Berario, slashed him above the eye, bit him on the cheek and slashed Mike “The Gook” Couls on his arm and stomach. Flanagan suffered a broken leg, was taken to a hospital and charged with two counts of 2nd degree assault and weapons charges.

Here’s a video of John Joseph trying to calm down audience after Harley Flanagan stabs Mike the Gook:

Photos by BoweryBoogie, who also attended the show and commented:

We were watching the hardcore show at Webster Hall – featuring Sick of it All, Cro-Mags, and VOD – when all hell broke loose upstairs. Harley Flannegan, founding member of the Cro-Mags stumbled into the VIP lounge with a knife. Security mobilized in a hot minute and beat the shit out of him. It took no less than six beefy dudes to control the madness. Blood was everywhere, and bone protruded from his shin.

Cops quickly appeared and took him away in cuffs. Not before he had already stabbed some dude in the chest (said victim left the scene with a bandage over the wound). Because of the violence the rest of the show was canceled. The remaining bands promised to reschedule the show. To be fair, Webster Hall security contained the situation professionally. Lots of drunken, pissed off hardcore fans were on edge after the cops shut down the show, but the scene was cleared without further incident.

Click image to enlarge:

The NY Post commented:

A wild melee broke out at Webster Hall tonight, when a former member of the hardcore band the Cro-Mags allegedly stabbed current members in the VIP room before the show, law enforcement sources said.
Tattoo-covered band founder Harley Flanagan allegedly launched the attack at about 8:30 p.m. before the band was to go on.
The victims — at least one of whom was stabbed and two were bitten — were taken to Bellevue Hospital with wounds that were not believed to be life threatening. Flanagan was arrested at the scene, sources said.
The wild melee forced the East 11th Street concert venue to cancel the show, which was part of the CBGB Festival and also featured the band Sick of it All.

Cops quickly appeared and took him away in cuffs. Not before he had already stabbed some dude in the chest (said victim left the scene with a bandage over the wound). Because of the violence the rest of the show was canceled. The remaining bands promised to reschedule the show. To be fair, Webster Hall security contained the situation professionally. Lots of drunken, pissed off hardcore fans were on edge after the cops shut down the show, but the scene was cleared without further incident.

PUBLISHED on July 7, 2012.
UPDATED on July 8, 2012 – the official statement added.
UPDATED on July 9, 2012 – details added.