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HOLMBERG: On freedom of Richmond rocker Randy Blythe

Posted at 12:29 AM, Mar 06, 2013
and last updated 2013-03-06 00:29:36-05

Tuesday morning in Prague, Richmond heavy metal star Randy Blythe didn’t know whether the Czech court would give him freedom or up to 10 years in prison for the accidental death of a fan during a show two years ago.

He posted this Instagram photo and message:

“So I walk this morning to court with my head held high, no matter what others opinions of me may be. I have to face myself in the mirror, & tomorrow morning, where ever I may wake up, I will be able to do that without regret. This is THE ONLY path to true freedom for me- peace within myself.”

Not only was Randy on trial, but also the often misunderstood heavy metal music heavy metal music that seems violent and extreme to many – except those who are soothed by its release.

And, in a sense, Richmond was also  on trial, as Blythe and his often Grammy nominated  band – Lamb Of God – is one of our best-known, worldwide musical exports.

As the trial drew to a close, he emotionally focused on the tragedy of 19-year-old Daniel Nosek losing his life, saying there is no greater loss than a parent losing a child.

Recently, Randy told a LA Weekly reporter of the pain he felt when he lost a slightly premature daughter who had a heart defect.

“It's something I really can't describe in words and nobody could understand unless they had to live through this. I know that this family [in Prague] is just going through the worst possible hell, and they have questions. So, despite the fact that I maintain my innocence, I feel ethically and morally obliged to do my best to provide them with some answers, if it goes to trial, to help them go down this road, where their pain can lessen a little bit.”

We should be talking with Randy when he returns.

[Click here to read more coverage of this case]