The group was detained by the US Department of Homeland Security for suspicion of either sneaking drugs in or attempting to seek work illegally, despite the fact that the band had valid working papers in their possession. The band was detained for more than 5 hours at the Blaine, WA border facilities, where bored security agents strip searched one of the members, and refused to listen to the band members' own account of why they were there.
Singer Greg Cavanagh was held for four hours, then refused entry to the US because of suspicion of "rampant drug use, voluminous encounters with prostitutes and satanism" after the border agents reviewed the band's MySpace page.
At one point, guitarist Denis "Sasquatch" Barthe was held at gun point by 5 officers. He was asked to lay down on the ground, was handcuffed and returned to Canada in a U.S. Border Protection vehicle. After almost five hours of screaming, door-slamming and accusations, the rest of the band was asked to return to Canada.
Last year, Cradle To Grave were refused an entry visa allegedly because the State Department felt their name might "incite violence" and this after they were allowed to tour in 2005. However, in 2002 and 2004 the band were refused entry to the US due to an alleged "lack of artistic merit."
Cavanagh commented: "Contrary to popular belief, the US doesn't welcome all foreign musicians with open arms," he chuckled sarcastically. "We regret to say this, but the tour is over before it even started. Thanks to everyone that worked so hard to bring us down there for the shows we had booked. We'll hopefully have better luck next time and be able to play for all you crazy West Coast metalheads."
More Stories
HOUR OF PENANCE – “Sedition” to be Reissued on Vinyl
ELECTRIC TEMPLE – Debut Album Announced
SEPTICFLESH – 2025 North American Tour Dates