Slayer And Anthrax's Christchurch Show Canceled After Mosque Shootings

Due to the horrific terrorist shooting in Christchurch, New Zealand, on Friday, tonight's Slayer concert, which is part of their final tour and features Anthrax as support, is canceled.

The call was made by Vbase, the company that owns and operates the Horncastle Arena, the venue for the show. Board chairman Tim Scandrett wrote in an announcement on Facebook, "We understand fans may be disappointed. However, we feel that it is in the best interest for the safety and well-being of the public after the tragic events which unfolded across our city 24 hours ago."

Promoter Storm The Gates wrote of the cancellation, "Whilst we want music to be a positive impact on any city, the recent events are incomprehensible, and right now we stand together with Christchurch, and send our deepest sympathies to those affected."

Though there are times when a show cancellation feels patently ridiculous, like Watain having their Singapore show canceled on "religious grounds," given the gravity of the events in Christchurch -- in which a man shot and killed over 50 Muslims at two separate mosques -- one can understand the promoter's desire to not host a show of a band whose imagery centers around war, weapons, and death.

That said, we understand how frustrating this is for New Zealand metal fans, as this was being hailed as Slayer's last New Zealand show ever. The band played Auckland on Friday night.

Tickets for the show will be refunded to the cards used to purchase them. Whether or not Slayer will reschedule the show remains to be seen.