Egypt police axe concert by Brazilian metal band Sepultura

CAIRO – Egyptian police cancelled a concert planned by Brazilian heavy metal band Sepultura last weekend over a “bureaucratic” dispute between the local promoter and authorities, the band said Monday

In a statement released on social media, the band apologized to fans for the cancellation, which came hours before the concert was to begin Saturday night in Cairo, saying they hope to return soon.

Al-Watan newspaper said three organizers had been detained, describing the concert as an unlicensed party for “Satan worshippers.” It cited top Giza police inspector Maj. Gen. Khaled Shalaby as its source. Reached by telephone, Shalaby declined to comment.

Sepultura’s fast-paced guitar and drum riffs sold millions of albums in the 1990s, before its founding members left. It has been critical of organized religion and oppressive regimes in the past, a stance that could have irked Egyptian authorities, who are currently engaged in a crackdown on dissent.

Pro-police media has promoted suspicion of foreign subcultures in Egypt’s conservative society, attacking its followers over what it describes as bizarre, ritualistic or macabre dress and plotting against national identity.

Sepultura could not be reached for further comment about the concert, which it said was to have been its first in Cairo. The band kicks off a two-month European tour in July.