MANOWAR were at the top the bill of the French festival on June 21, but Hellfest’s organizers have revealed that the US outfit will no longer take part.

A statement from the festival says:

“Despite a presence on site on June 20, the teams and members of the group decided to leave the site. The MANOWAR concert, scheduled Friday, June 21, will not take place for reasons beyond our will. We are sincerely sorry for all MANOWAR fans and more widely for all the fans attending Hellfest.”

Some fans have reacted angrily to the news, saying they had flown across the world to see MANOWAR’s set. The band then responded with this statement:

“Regarding Hellfest (June 21, 2019): After 18 months of tireless work and preparation we arrived at the Hellfest site, ready to play. The Hellfest organizers obstructed our efforts to put on the epic show we had promised. Despite what you may hear or read, the Hellfest organizers did have control over the circumstances that prevented our performance. We always have and always will fight to give our fans 100%. Our French fans and press know, if MANOWAR come to France and are unable to perform, the fault does not lie with us. Remember the Élysée Montmartre. We are very sorry that you are being made to suffer. We want you to know that everything we do is for our fans. We stand together with all of you as we always have, and we will not allow anyone to lessen the quality of our shows. Be very sure the truth will come out! Thank you to the Greatest Fans In The World for your continued loyalty and support.

MANOWAR”