Christchurch, Auckland venues cancel Philip Anselmo gigs over 'white power' remarks

Controversial singer Philip Anselmo will no longer play two concerts in New Zealand next week after both Auckland and Christchurch venues cancelled his shows.

The Pantera frontman singer was due to play shows with The Illegals in Christchurch and Auckland on March 26 and 27, just over a week after the Christchurch terror attacks.

However, due to his previous public stances on "white power", the venues have announced on social media they have canned the concerts.

The Christchurch gig was originally scheduled at Empire, however it moved to the Club Tavern which has revealed that the show will not go ahead.

"The Philip Anselmo gig has been cancelled," the tavern wrote in a Facebook post.

"We do not and will not support white supremacy or racism."

It wasnt Slayer, but it was a hell of a weekend. Thanks to everyone involved in making this weekend happen, the bands and their awesome talents were on point. 🤘🎼🤘🎼🤘🎼🤘

Posted by The Club Tavern Christchurch on Sunday, 17 March 2019

Auckland venue Galatos also announced on Facebook why it has cancelled the Anselmo gig.

"Galatos will not be hosting this show in our venue on the above date. Just today, information has come to hand which has made us uncomfortable about proceeding with this show."

Anselmo was filmed ending a concert in 2016 by giving a Nazi salute and shouting "white power" and has made multiple public remarks about white supremacy.

After the 2016 incident was caught on video and widely circulated online, Anselmo wrote an apology letter where he said he was "utterly responsible" for his mistakes. "[I] can only give you my word to no longer do them in the present, through ACTION, not just mere words.

"My biggest obstacle[s] are the over-indulging in the booze and blurting out spiteful, ignorant reductions of the human spirit itself. I will address these issues, head-on.

"I'm repulsed by my own actions ... From the bottom of my heart, and with all sincerity, I once again am truly sorry for the pain I have caused."

Tour promoter Ben Mulchin of Valhalla Touring previously said he had given the tour a lot of thought in the wake of the Christchurch terror attack and "did have to soul search" to see if it was right to continue.

"This is a very serious time in our nation's history. Intolerance and hatred needs to be identified, called out, reduced, enveloped and ideally educated and turned into understanding and empathy. All people are equal, and all people that don't have respect should be challenged and held accountable.

"I completely agree [we should not forget] or ignore Phil's vile, deplorable actions and words in 2016 nor his pandering to a crowd in the 1990s ... there is no excuse."

Anselmo has a long history of invoking white supremacy ideals and has also been blasted for incorporating the Confederate flag into his concerts.

"When his band offered to tour here I did have to soul search. Did his apologies seem earnest? Did he fully comprehend his hateful display? Did he - as a prominent figure in metal - take responsibility on how his actions can embolden and encourage others to hate? I think this last thought is pretty important in the current situation," the promoter said.

Mulchin said he feels "Phil is of a respectful loving nature" and believed his apology was sincere.

He said he hoped to donate all profits and $5 per ticket to the families affected by the Christchurch attack.