METALLICA have issued the following statement regarding their postponed Delhi, India show:

"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."

RollingStoneIndia.com reported earlier that while the organisers are claiming that a ‘technical snag’ is behind the reschedule, the real reason probably has something to do with the fact that the surge of people caused the barricades to collapse earlier this evening. Post the cancellation announcement, some fans even gained access to the stage area, damaging equipment in the process.

According to Dev Bhatia, who was at the venue at the time, things started heating up with a stampede at around 3:30 in the afternoon. The stampede caused the barricades to collapse, with several fans getting hurt in the process. As the crowd entering the venue continued to grow, the barricades in front of the stage also collapsed. At around 6 PM, the organisers announced that due to “serious technical difficulties”, the show was postponed and Metallica would play at 4 PM tomorrow.

The announcement further fueled the crowd’s frustration, causing fans to go on a rampage. Several fans gained access to the stage area, setting fire to banners and causing damage to the LED screens, monitors and other equipment.

Read more at RollingStoneIndia.com. Check out video footage below: