Brian Jonestown Massacre Cancels Australian Tour After Onstage Fight Goes Viral

The Australian tour of Brian Jonestown Massacre came to an abrupt halt after a fight broke out on stage among the band members earlier this week, which was captured on video and went viral. The psychedelic rock group led by Anton Newcombe canceled the remaining part of their 11-date tour, which was supposed to end on Friday night (Nov. 24) at University of Wollongong UniBar, in New South Wales, with The Laurels as the opening act. A spokesperson for the tour promoters, Principal Entertainment, tells Billboard that there is no official statement to share at this time. However, the reason for the cancellation seems obvious.

The incident happened during the band’s ninth show of their Australian trip, on Tuesday (Nov. 21) at The Forum Melbourne. In the clips that have been circulating on social media, Newcombe is seen hitting guitarist Ryan Van Kriedt with a guitar after telling him to get off the stage.

“Turn off this guy’s mic, put down my guitar, party’s over captain,” Newcombe said, adding: “get to f***. we actually don’t need you. Go. Put my guitar down on the stage and think about what’s happening. Unplug.”

Van Kriedt replied: “You better think about this one, man. Because this is forever,” before leaving his guitar on the stage and walking away.

The situation then escalated. Newcombe struck Van Kriedt on the head with a guitar, starting a brawl that required security to intervene and stop the concert. “Undefeated, god bless this country,” Newcombe told the crowd, as the lights came on, the curtains closed and boos filled the air. Newcombe has been the frontman of Brian Jonestown Massacre for 20 studio albums, in a career that has been marked by his unpredictable and eccentric behavior more than his commercial success.

For many casual fans, Newcombe is best known for his colorful, central role in DIG!, the 2004 documentary that follows the love-hate relationship between the leaders of Brian Jonestown Massacre and the Dandy Warhols, and the different paths their bands took. This behavior is not new for Newcombe. His violent outbursts and erratic behavior have been part of the band’s identity since the beginning, for better or worse. Brian Jonestown Massacre is touring in support of 2023’s The Future is Your Past, released locally through A Recordings/MGM Australia.