Harley Flanagan, founding member of Cro-Mags, reportedly stabbed Cro-Mags bassist Mike Couls at Webster Hall last night

Harley Flanagan (left) at Thursday's screening of American Hardcore

Sad, strange, and alarming news is being reported about last night's Sick Of It All / Cro-Mags show, which was part of CBGB Festival. The entire show was cancelled after Harley Flanagan, founding member of Cro-Mags reportedly stumbled into the VIP lounge of Webster Hall (inches from where I was photographing Thursday night's show) and stabbed Cro-Mags bassist Mike "The Gook" Couls. 

According to Bowery Boogie:

"Security mobilized in a hot minute and beat the shit out of him. It took no less than six beefy dudes to control the madness. Blood was everywhere, and bone protruded from his shin. Cops quickly appeared and took [Flanagan] away in cuffs. Not before he had already stabbed some dude in the chest (said victim left the scene with a bandage over the wound). Because of the violence the rest of the show was canceled. The remaining bands promised to reschedule the show. To be fair, Webster Hall security contained the situation professionally. Lots of drunken, pissed off hardcore fans were on edge after the cops shut down the show, but the scene was cleared without further incident."

Particularly strange about the whole incident is that Flanagan showed up to American Hardcore's screening on Thursday with who appeared to be his two young sons (both were sporting mohawks). Flanagan seemed his usual slightly intimidating self, but I never would have expected him to stab someone the following night. 

CBGB issued the following statement early this morning:

"We are saddened to learn about the events that occurred last night at Webster Hall. Our primary concern is always the safety and experience of New Yorkers, music fans and the general public. Naturally we will fully cooperate with law enforcement while hoping for the speedy recovery of those injured.

Live music can be incredibly uplifting, empowering and positive. We don’t feel the actions of one person should overshadow four amazing days and nights of events that include today’s historic and unprecedented free concerts in Times Square and Central Park."

CBGB Festival rolls on today, with the aforementioned two huge free shows: Superchunk / The Hold Steady / Clap Your Hands Say Yeah @ Times Square, and Cloud Nothings / The War on Drugs / The Pains of Being Pure At Heart / Guided By Voices at Central Park SummerStage. More coverage of CBGB Festival is on the way.