The Chivalry of M83’s Anthony Gonzalez

“Chivalry is only a name for that general spirit or state of mind which disposes men to heroic actions, and keeps them conversant with all that is beautiful and sublime in the intellectual and moral world.”

— Kenelm Henry Digby in Chivalry: The Broad-Stone of Honour

Given that definition, I bestow upon Anthony Gonzalez the title Mr. Chivalry 2009. Anyone who knows me knows that I am a pacifist with a large peace sticker on the bumper. I’m constantly telling my six year old to use his words. I’m a lover, not a fighter. However, if a big burly security dude is getting inappropriately violent with your fans, my first reaction would be to come to their defense. And to Anthony’s credit, he issued an apology afterward. This is a good man.

The full details and a video of the events after the jump.

I’ve seen several people comment on other blogs that The Wexner Center stage was a temporary stage and that it couldn’t hold the weight. I cry bullshit. The Wexner Center was recently renovated and they provide complete technical specs for both the stage and the entire venue. They tout the fact that “The stage at Mershon can also be transformed into a “black box” space, creating a more intimate and flexible setting, with both audience and performers on stage.”

This morning, Anthony issued an apology:

“Statement regarding events at M83’s performance at the Wexner Center, Columbus, OH on the 18th July 2009.

“I’ve been thinking about the events that happened at the end of show in Columbus last Saturday. Time and distance has given me the space to realize that my actions were clearly inappropriate. I wish to emphasise that inviting the crowd on stage was in no way calculated but simply a result of being caught up in the intensity of the moment and essentially celebrating what I believe had been a very positive and enjoyable performance for both the band and the audience. In retrospect though I understand why such actions were not the wisest and why the staff at the venue had requested me not to encourage the audience on stage. I sincerely apologize for the way I handled the situation, and in particular for trying to physically interfere with security staff at the venue who I fully accept were only trying to do their job of ensuring proper protection for both the band and members of the audience.

“My reactions in the heat of the moment have caused me much regret and once again I offer my sincere apologies to all persons concerned with the show and at the venue. I feel that it is important to issue a public apology as I do not wish my actions to be perceived as in any way as condoning or encouraging aggressive behaviour.

“Anthony
24th July 2009”

I agree that violence is not the answer. But I still say “Anthony, thanks for trying in your own small way to defend something beautiful and sublime.”

And here’s a video of what went down.