The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)

Perth band apologises after trashing venue.

Group faces backlash after leaving walls covered in graffiti following gig

- Mark Mackay mmackay@thecourier.co.uk

A Perth band has been forced to make a grovelling apology after trashing accommodat­ion at a popular music venue in Edinburgh. The young members of Majik Carpet were part of a boozy post-gig party in the flat above Bannerman’s Bar in the capital’s Cowgate.

They fled the following morning, leaving behind hundreds of pounds worth of damage, including widespread graffiti.

The issue came to light when Bannerman’s manager, Christian Kimmett, shared a set of images on Facebook, naming and shaming the four-piece for leaving the walls of his business covered in graffiti.

The damage left behind – and the disappoint­ment of the venue’s owners – has since seen the group blackliste­d by a number of other venues.

They have also received hate messages on social media and scorn from those involved in the Scottish music scene.

Bannerman’s is known to be a keen supporter of young bands and there has been widespread anger at the band’s actions, with some calling for them to be barred from all venues.

Majik Carpet had been recording and had received some favourable reviews but have now cancelled the remainder of their tour.

Dundee venue Conroys Basement had already withdrawn its invitation to play.

In a lengthy statement, band members said they were dismayed by the vandalism and by the “immaturity” they displayed by running away rather than staying to face the music.

The apology also saw the band claim not all its members had been present, blame others for much of the damage and point out the spray-paint used had been “found on the premises”.

The members of Majik Carpet – who met as students in Perth – said: “We are desperate for this opportunit­y to apologise publicly for the damage that was caused to the premises under our watch.

“We would like to make clear that although we were responsibl­e for the accommodat­ion – having gone out to sample Edinburgh’s delights – we were not present as a full band at the time of the vandalism.”

The statement adds: “We have been in contact with Bannerman’s … and have apologised profusely for the damage and promised that any costs for damages would be met by the band as a whole.”

We are desperate for this opportunit­y to apologise publicly for the damage that was caused to the premises under our watch. MAJIK CARPET

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