Mexico’s cancellation of heavy metal concert draws fire

MEXICO CITY – A Mexican state’s decision to cancel a two-day heavy metal concert with top bands like Kiss, Twisted Sister and Guns ‘N Roses is drawing fire from fans and organizers, who say they suspect political motives, corruption or discrimination, was involved.

The Mexico state government says the March 15-16 “Hell and Heaven Metal Fest” concert planned for a fairground just east of Mexico City did not have adequate safety plans, posing a risk to concert-goers.

The state sent about 300 riot police to surround the fairgrounds Friday in the township of Texcoco. The state civil defence office, and its federal counterpart, said in a statement that it had cancelled the organizers’ plans “for 70,000 to 80,000 people and 50 musical groups, because safety conditions for potential concert-goers were not ensured.”