The band released the following statement, late Friday:
“We arrived in Delhi on Friday very excited and ready to play our first show ever in India at the F1 Rocks concert. However, immediately at the end of our afternoon press conference at a hotel near the venue, we were notified that there was a serious question as to whether the show could proceed with regard to the safety of the concert audience. And our first and foremost concern is always for the safety of you, the fans.
Once we, along with DNA, the promoters of the show, determined that there was a failure of a security barricade in front of the stage that could not be adequately repaired, the promoter reluctantly announced the postponement of the show until Saturday. Unfortunately, on such short notice the promoters were unable to secure a permit for a show on Saturday. Therefore, DNA announced that we would not be able to play in Delhi. Within the next 24 hours a notification will be issued by DNA regarding the process for full refunds.
We are deeply disappointed with this news as we were looking forward to our first experience in India as much as you guys were. Keep watching for updates here as additional details are determined and confirmed.”
On Friday, the Times Of India reported organizers said, “Due to some technical problems, we are postponing the Metallica concert to tomorrow,” without providing further details at the time.
"The organizers have informed the police that, due to technical reasons, they are postponing the concert," said Gurgaon police commissioner SS Deshwal, ruling out it was due to chaos at the venue.
Fans including from outside the National Capital Region(NCR) had already gathered in large numbers at the Leisure Valley in Gurgaon for the concert scheduled to begin at 7:30pm. The venue has a capacity to seat an audience of around 30,000 fans.
After the news of postponement was announced on stage, disappointed fans tried to vandalize the venue; they broke barriers, climbed on stage and tore posters. Several fans gained access to the stage area, setting fire to banners and causing damage to the LED screens, monitors and other equipment.
Metallica is in the country to perform as a part of F1 Rocks and is scheduled to perform in Bangalore on Sunday.
See also:
VIDEO: Metallica fans riot in India
VIDEO: Lou Reed & Metallica interviewed on Norwegian TV
VIDEO: Lou Reed and Metallica press kit for Lulu