Aurora drops drummer from tour in Mexico after Nazi accusations – Dagsavisen

Aurora drummer Sigmund Vestrheim was accused earlier this year of being a Nazi. He himself denied the allegations, and received support from the rest of the band – including frontman Aurora Aksnes.

Now the band has nevertheless chosen to leave the drummer out of two upcoming concerts in Mexico, out of concern for the fans.

– It is sad to have to say that this time we are coming back with a different drummer. This is only because we are not aware of what to expect when we return, writes Aurora in a statement on Instagram.

It was Subject who first mentioned the matter.

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Sorry they hurt people

The band has received a lot of criticism on social media after several things were pointed out that fans believed were evidence that the drummer had Nazi attitudes. Among other things, he showed a sign that some interpreted as a Nazi symbol during a concert, and several were also surprised that Vestrheim had the number 777 in his username on Instagram. The number 777 can be linked to the far-right movement Afrikaner Weerstandsbeveging (AWB) in South Africa.

All the accusations are dismissed by Aurora, who has come up with an explanation for all the accusations from the fans. Among other things, the number 777 in the drummer’s Instagram username is explained by the fact that the number can also mean good luck. The number has now been removed from Vestrheim’s account, out of respect for anyone who may find it offensive, writes the artist.

– I deeply apologize for the lack of knowledge in this matter. And I am deeply sorry for all the pain and confusion all this has caused people, she writes.

[ Ektepar døde etter å ha spist fisk – datter ber om innstramming av loven ]

Thought it wouldn’t be necessary

The band has therefore chosen to drop Vestrheim from the concerts in Mexico out of consideration for the fans. At the same time, they are clear that they still support their drummer, and that the accusations that he supports Nazism are wrong.

– Knowing that my drummer, or anyone else on my team, would never support far-right ideologies, I thought this would be an easy fix. Because I thought that people would understand that this was a big mistake. I thought the truth would win, as it always does. And that everything would calm down, writes the artist on Instagram, who emphasizes that she would never support him if the accusations were true.

– Ignorance, or a lack of knowledge about a matter, does not make a person a supporter of right-wing extremism. Just actually being a supporter of these far-right ideologues makes you one. And I know for sure that my drummer does not, writes Aurora further, before making it clear that the band does not want to fire the drummer based on the accusations, which they consider to be untrue.

Vestrheim has also commented on the matter on his own Instagram profile. There he refers to Aurora’s post and writes that he will return to the band at a later date.

– This has been very difficult, and I apologize for offending any of you. It was never my intention, he writes.

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