Napalm Death Gig Cancelled Over Museum Fears

A performance by "grindcore" band Napalm Death has been cancelled by the V&A after fears the deafening noise could cause the historic museum to crumble.

The metal-punk act had been due to play a one-off show on Friday after teaming up with a ceramic artist who created a sound system which was designed to disintegrate during the gig.

But the London museum called off the free event, called Bustleholm, after a safety check highlighted a risk that the gallery itself could deteriorate.

There were also concerns that visitors could potentially be injured as a result of the gig by the Birmingham band, who released debut album Scum in 1987.

The museum said: "This was due to take place in the Europe Galleries, which are currently being refurbished, and a further safety inspection has revealed concerns that the high level of decibels generated by the concert would damage the historic fabric of the building.

"The V&A is committed to an exciting programme of exhibitions and events but the safety of our visitors and building remains our priority at all times."

The museum's resident artist Keith Harrison had created three ceramic sound systems based on the tiles used on the tower blocks of the Bustleholm Mill estate in West Bromwich, where he grew up.

Prior to the show, Napalm Death's frontman, Mark "Barney" Greenway, had said: "Sound as a weapon - or a weapon of change - is a very interesting concept and I think that the whole process of our sound gradually degrading clay sculptures is captivating."