Although reports yesterday indicated tonight’s Threatin gig (November 11th) in Belfast would go on as planned, the venue where the show was set to take place, The Empire, has just announced that the band has canceled.

A post on The Empire’s Facebook page indicated that Jered Threatin’s management (probably just Jered himself) canceled the show earlier today without giving any reason, although we suspect it’s got a lot to do with half the band quitting mid-tour. The venue has decided to make lemons out of lemonade, allowing all the opening bands to perform with free admission offered to the public. Since Jered already paid the venue a rental fee in advance, why not? I’m willing to bet a few curious onlookers show up anyway just to bask in the glory of make fun of Threatin along with anyone else who happens to show up. I know I would if I loved anywhere near Belfast.

Here’s The Empire’s statement:

“Just before 2pm today, Jered Threatin’s management cancelled his performance at Empire Music Hall tonight. As yet, no reason has been offered. “Staff have been scheduled to work tonight, a sound engineer had been booked and two support acts, Periapt and Red House have gone to a lot of trouble to play tonight. Because of this, we have decided to have the gig anyway. Admittance will be free of charge! “The rental of the hall has been paid upfront, so we won’t be losing out. We believe in supporting local acts, genuine bands and our own staff, and we’d be thrilled if you could come down and support these great acts. “Doors at 7.00. Free in!”

News broke Monday that Threatin had booked an entire European tour using a fake booking alias and paid-for Facebook and YouTube numbers to gas their online presence, with hundreds of alleged tickets sold translating to completely empty rooms. Some subsequent sleuthing turned up a fake record label, phony metal news site and nonexistent record label Threatin had created to further the scheme.