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Watch Courtney LaPlante get “violent fucker” thrown out of Spiritbox show
Spiritbox singer Courtney LaPlante halted the Canadian metal band's set at Phoenix's Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre after drummer Zev Rose spotted a fan apparently assaulting other audience members. LaPlante refused to continue the show until the individual was identified and removed, publicly calling out the "violent fucker" from the stage before security located and ejected them. The incident, captured on video and shared widely online, highlights the band's willingness to prioritise crowd safety over the performance itself.
The confrontation happened on 15 July 2026 during Spiritbox's support slot for Evanescence, alongside Nova Twins, ahead of closing with their song "Soft Spine". LaPlante encouraged nearby fans to point out the aggressor, checked on someone caught up in the incident, and warned troublemakers that security would intervene. Some witnesses later alleged online that the person had been punching and shoving people outside the mosh pit. Spiritbox continue their North American tour with Evanescence before a UK headline run in September, taking in Glasgow, Nottingham, Manchester, Cardiff and London, and are set to support Metallica in Connecticut in November.
In short
- LaPlante stopped a Spiritbox show to eject a violent fan
- Incident occurred 15 July at a Phoenix gig with Evanescence
- Band continues touring, including a September UK run
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The band made the right call prioritising immediate crowd safety. Identifying and stopping assault in a concert setting—where large crowds and excitement can obscure dangers—requires decisive action. By halting the performance and calling out the behaviour from the stage, LaPlante made clear that violence would not be tolerated, empowered other fans to cooperate with security, and ensured the person was removed before more harm occurred. Sometimes safety demands uncomfortable moments.
The case against
Whilst the band's concern for attendees' wellbeing is commendable, halting the entire performance and publicly labelling someone with inflammatory language may have been a disproportionate response that could have escalated rather than defused tensions. Security personnel are trained to handle such incidents discreetly; the appropriate response was likely quiet intervention and removal, allowing the concert to continue undisrupted. Strong words from the stage, whilst well-intentioned, risk humiliating an individual before all facts are established and may set an unfortunate precedent.
Explained simply
Spiritbox is a Canadian heavy metal band led by vocalist Courtney LaPlante. The group performs internationally and is known within the heavy music scene.
On 15 July 2026, Spiritbox was performing at Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre in Phoenix as support for the American rock band Evanescence. During their set, a fan in the crowd behaved violently towards other audience members, prompting the band to halt their performance.
LaPlante stopped the show and refused to continue until security had identified and removed the person. The incident was captured on video and circulated widely online, prompting broader discussion about safety and disruptions at live concerts.