Japanese punk band Otoboke Beaver have apologised after a fan was injured by a guitar thrown into the crowd during their show at Umeda Club Quattro in Osaka, Japan. The audience member was taken to hospital by ambulance and required seven stitches for a forehead laceration, as well as treatment for a cervical sprain.
The incident happened during the band’s Osaka performance in April. Otoboke Beaver have now issued a public statement acknowledging responsibility and apologising to the injured fan.
Otoboke Beaver apologise for Osaka concert accident
The band said they were sorry for the injury and acknowledged that they had caused the accident.
“The injured person was taken to hospital by ambulance immediately after the accident and received treatment for injuries including a forehead laceration requiring a total of seven stitches and a cervical sprain.
“We have also caused them significant emotional distress.”
Otoboke Beaver said they wished the injured person a full recovery and offered their “deepest apologies” for what happened.
The band also acknowledged that their response following the incident was not handled as quickly as it should have been.
Band admits response to incident was delayed
Otoboke Beaver said there were problems with communication between the group and the staff member responsible for dealing with the situation at the venue.
They also accepted that their direct apology and public statement should have happened sooner.
“Co-ordination between us and the staff member entrusted to act as the point of contact that day, as well as our follow-up response, was not prompt, resulting in a delay to both our direct apology and public statement.”
The band said their apology was made “in good faith” before concluding their statement by saying they were “truly sorry”.
Otoboke Beaver’s Osaka show marked drummer’s departure
The Osaka concert was also significant for Otoboke Beaver because it marked the farewell to former drummer Kahokiss, who left the group to take maternity leave.
Leo subsequently replaced Kahokiss behind the kit.
The band, which features singer Accorinrin, guitarist Yoyoyoshie, bassist Hirochan and drummer Leo, are known for an intensely energetic live show and fast-paced punk sound.
Speaking previously to NME about their distinctive approach to music, the group said:
“I think it’s wonderful that there’s no other band that sounds like us”.
Yoyoyoshie has also described the band’s approach as bringing “a sense of fun and a sense of speed” to both their songs and live performances.
Otoboke Beaver’s growing international profile
Otoboke Beaver have continued to build an international audience, most recently supporting Foo Fighters across six dates on their Take Cover stadium tour.
The band’s live intensity has become a major part of their reputation outside Japan, with their performances helping introduce their music to larger audiences in the UK, US and elsewhere.
Yoyoyoshie previously told New Noise that the band sometimes listen to their own music and dance backstage before performances to get themselves into the right frame of mind.
“Before the show, in the green room, we listen to our own music and sometimes start dancing. To get in the zone.”
The Osaka incident has prompted the band’s public apology, with Otoboke Beaver acknowledging both the injury itself and the delay in their response.
