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.
The Edinburgh date – apparently a success until the damage came to light – was to have been the first of a planned series of gigs dubbed “The House on Fire Tour”.
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Dundee venue Conroys Basement had already withdrawn its invitation to play.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: “By now, all of our Majik Carpet Friends and pretty much half of Scotland will be aware that we were in-charge of band accommodation at the brilliant venue Bannermans Bar in Edinburgh’s Cowgate, when the flat bathroom was vandalised with spray-paint.
“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.
“When confronted with this we reacted immaturely and in disbelief. We tried to clean up the mess and panicked about the situation at the time.
“We have never woken up to a spray-painted bathroom before – and we had no idea what on earth we should do.
“This however, in no way excuses the way in which we dealt with the ensuing situation and for the damage caused to the premises under our care and our childish response to the situation.”
The band’s 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.”
The band has said it will stay together.
