Fire When Ready Attacked at Greensboro, NC Show
Band releases statement: "It is hard to make sense of something so
ignorant and stupid."

by Blake Cooper

***FOLLOW-UP*** 2005.01.10: Fire When Ready has cancelled three more shows on their tour. They now plan to re-join Anterrabae in Nashville, TN at The Muse on Jan. 14.

Members of the Binghamton group Fire When Ready were assaulted at a show
in Greensboro, NC, on Jan. 6. According to their website, the band was
attacked by a group of "about 15 guys," and suffered "a variety of
injuries," including bruised ribs, broken teeth, wounds inflicted with
glass, and "a few other cuts and bruises."

The assault was apparently the result of the band's speaking out during
their set against "negative things that had happened" during the show,
including "prejudicial language and other ridiculous actions." The
band also "jokingly spoke out" about a group of people that had left
when they started playing. At the end of their set, a group of people
came into the club and the assault took place.

The band has reacted quickly, issuing a press release and an official
statement on their webpage (www.firewhenready.com), trying to explain
the incident and dismiss any rumors about the situation.

As a result of the incident, the band will not be playing the next
three shows of their tour. The band they are touring with, Anterrabae,
will still be playing, however. A Paypal account has been set up for
fans to donate to help pay for medical bills.

"We do not support homophobia, degradation of women, racism, or any
other predatory behavior that is becoming more and more prevalent in
the scene," the band states on their official webpage. "We won't back
down from our beliefs and we won't ever stop speaking against any
injustice." There is no word yet if the band will decide to take legal
action, although they have publicly stated that the wish no physical
or verbal harm on their assailants.

The band plans to continue with the tour as planned starting January
10th at the Rockwell Center in Tupelo, MS.