Limestone Ledger

BLOOMINGTON, IN – A music festival known for peace and tolerance turned violent as the raucous crowd wildly got out of control.

The Lotus World Music and Arts Festival was celebrating its 30 year anniversary when a thrash metal group encouraged concert goers to form a mosh pit.

“I’ve been involved with Lotus since the beginning and never have I witnessed such horror,” said volunteer Cheryl Schuster. “The band is to blame because they turned a peaceful gathering into a bloody hellscape.”

Lotus organizers book international music acts of all genres. For the first time, a German thrash metal band was invited.

‘Todesgriff’ (Death Grip in English) is known for their loud, angry take on rock music and their audiences often feed off the energy.

“Had the Lotus people done any research at all, they would’ve known that Todesgriff is responsible for innumerable crowd injuries all over the world,” said thrash metal enthusing Nathan Faulk. “For the true fans, this is hardly a surprise.”

Band members showed no remorse.

“We are who we are,” said frontman Heinrich Fuchs. “As far as we’re concerned, the more fans that are trampled, the better the show.”

At last count, more than 60 are being treated for injuries, including concussions and broken bones.