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Read Randy Blythe’s Classy, Kafka-Quoting Farewell Letter to Prague

Lamb of God Randy Blythe Statement Manslaughter Acquittal

On Tuesday, we received the good news that Lamb of God singer Randy Blythe had been acquitted of manslaughter charges in the case of a Czech fan who died after attending one of the Virginia metal band’s concerts. Daniel Nosek, 19, passed away from causes related to head trauma two weeks after a 2010 Prague gig, and Blythe spent more than a month in custody as a result. He returned to the city to stand trial earlier this year.

Throughout the entire ordeal, Blythe has remained positive about his situation and respectful toward both the deceased fan’s family and Czech authorities, and his latest open letter drives all of that home. In an lengthy, Kafka-quoting Instagram post shared Thursday, he wrote, “While I am relieved that my innocence was proven & apparently I shall not be going to prison, I am in no way shape or form a happy man right now.”

“I am leaving Prague now,” the letter begins. “I hope not to return for a long while. This has nothing to do with this city, the people who live here, or the Czech Republic itself at all. This is a wonderful place, & many people have been kind to me. Not a single soul here has been rude or mean to me at all, nor done me any harm- in fact it is quite the opposite. I have grown to love this city … but for me it is a place of great sadness.”

He goes on to explain that his ordeals pale in comparison to what Nosek’s family has had to go through, and that he expects to forever be tied to the memory of the man. He also stresses that the family has been kind to him — presumably in response to commentary from Lamb fans — and reveals that he had a private talk with them before he left. “They spoke on my behalf to the court … and wished me a good life.”

Read the full text of Blythe’s letter below:

I am leaving Prague now- I hope not to return for a long while. This has nothing to do with this city, the people who live here, or the Czech Republic itself at all. This is a wonderful place, & many people have been kind to me. Not a single soul here has been rude or mean to me at all, nor done me any harm- in fact it is quite the opposite. I have grown to love this city, for it is a marvelous, magical town. I encourage everyone to come visit here, to see this lovely country. But for me it is a place of great sadness. While I am relieved that my innocence was proven & apparently I shall not be going to prison, I am in no way shape or form a happy man right now. The small inconveniences I have been through since my arrest are not noteworthy. People go through much worse daily & still keep a smile on their faces, but currently my smiles are far & few between. A young man is still dead, & his family still suffers. Please remember that fact. This family did no wrong, & have shown me great kindness- with silence, with actions, & finally with words- they spoke on my behalf to the court, & we had a private talk afterwards. All I will say about that is that they were very kind to me & displayed the utmost strength & class, & wished me a good life. They just want to get on with their lives the best they can. I wish them only the best, & will keep them in my thoughts & prayers. Please do the same- think good thoughts of them & healing thoughts for them. Trust me, they are good people, & I mean that from the bottom of my heart. They did NOTHING wrong. This picture is from Kutna Hora, at the Sedlec Ossuary. I was there yesterday- like Prague, it is an amazing place. About this city, Kafka wrote: “Prague doesn’t let go…This old crone has claws. One has to yield, or else.” I have found this to be true. I am yielding, I am leaving a part of myself here, I think. Some bit of me will always roam these streets at night, & that is only fitting. Now I will go home & try to see what good I can make come out the destruction that occurred here- it is the only correct thing to do. Rest in peace, Daniel Nosek.