Dragonforce show moved in US riot

Dragonforce were ordered to postpone their concert in Baltimore earlier this week after a state of emergency was declared amid street riots.

Members of the public clashed with enforcement officers in unrest fuelled by the death of Freddie Gray in police custody earlier this month.

Dragonforce were preparing to play at Baltimore’s Soundstage when the city-wide behaviour order was activated.

Guitarist Herman Li says: “We thought it was a little weird that all the shops were closed. The only place open was the venue, with a massive queue of fans still trying to get in.

“As we were warming up, we heard the state of emergency had been declared. The show was immediately postponed for the safety of the fans.”

They’ll play at the same venue tonight instead, but doors open early and they’ll be off stage at 10pm to observe the city’s curfew, which is in force all week.

Gray, 25, suffered spinal injuries on April 12 at some point between his arrest and his arrival at hospital. He died five days later, sparking protests in Baltimore and elsewhere. The US Department Of Justice is investigating the circumstances of his arrest, injury and death.

Dragonforce appear at the Download festival at Donington on June 12-14.

Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.