Eagles of Death Metal Fan’s Ear Bitten Off at Toronto Show
We've gone nearly two decades since Mike Tyson infamously bit off Evander Holyfield's ear in a heavyweight title fight. The incident has unceremoniously manifested once again, this time at an Eagles of Death Metal show where two men were involved in an altercation leaving a severed body part on the floor.
On Saturday, May 7, the Eagles of Death Metal performed at the Opera House in Toronto, Ontario where eyewitness accounts have recalled the story. As reported by A Journal of Musical Things, one witness stated, “Some guys just got into a fight in front of us and the one guy bit off the other guys ear. I am not joking. It was the most f--ked up thing I have ever seen. We had to get security to pick up his ear in case they can fix it. Just sharing because it happened right where we were all standing.”
Offering greater detail, Opera House general manager Athena Ellinas-Towers told Aux, “I didn’t witness anything, but there was a confrontation between two individuals. It was brought to my attention by the medical attention. The one gentleman that instigated the whole thing was arrested and charged. I’m not sure of the charges; I just saw him being arrested. The police haven’t followed up with me yet. We called them because this is a serious offense.”
As for the severed ear, she explained, “A customer picked it up because I didn’t know where it was. She put it on ice and we gave it to the ambulance when they arrived. I asked the police to follow up with me but they never did. This is a first, let’s say. I didn’t actually believe it when someone came up to me and told me what happened. It’s just bizarre.”
The police have confirmed the incident per CBC, but have not released any further details other than the incident occurred at 12:30AM. Photographer Gary William Ogle has posted an alleged photo of the ear on the floor of the venue, which can be seen here. Warning: not for the squeamish!
Audio engineer Josh Vamos was present at the show and was able to take action as the violence happened as detailed below.
In lighter news, the band recently made a humorous appearance on Conan, announcing their new line of bouncy houses. In the video clip, frontman Jesse Hughes take charge detailing the new Eagles of Death Metal venture, where the band will show up to your house, inflate the bouncy house and even perform a show inside!
The Eagles of Death Metal are in the midst of a North American tour and a list of remaining dates can be found here.
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