Punk band Otoboke Beaver have apologised after hospitalising a fan.
The Japanese three-piece group threw a guitar into the crowd during their gig at Umeda Club Quattro in Osaka, Japan – accidentally striking an audience member.
The fan was forced to go to hospital for the injury, which left them needing seven stitches.
Now, following the April incident, Otoboke Beaver have issued a public apology, wishing the “injured person a full recovery”.
After acknowledging “we caused this accident”, they offered their “deepest apologies”, and said: “The injured person was taken to hospital by ambulance immediately after the accident and received treatment for injuries including a forehead laceration requiring a total of seven stitches and a cervical sprain.
“We have also caused them significant emotional distress.”
The group – comprised of singer Accorinrin, guitarist Yoyoyoshie, bassist Hirochan and drummer Leo – also admitted the handling of the incident could have been better.
They added in the statement: “Co-ordination between us and the staff member entrusted to act as the point of contact that day, as well as our follow-up response, was not prompt, resulting in a delay to both our direct apology and public statement.”
The band added that their apology was “in good faith”, and concluded by saying they are “truly sorry”.
Their Osaka gig served as a farewell to the group’s former drummer Kahokiss, who left to go on maternity leave and was replaced by Leo.
Speaking previously to NME about their trademark energy, the group said: “I think it’s wonderful that there’s no other band that sounds like us”.
Yoyoyoshie also said they like to bring “a sense of fun and a sense of speed” to their music and live performances.
She also revealed during an interview with New Noise magazine that the group get themselves riled up backstage before gigs, adding: “Before the show, in the green room, we listen to our own music and sometimes start dancing. To get in the zone.”
Otoboke Beaver are becoming increasingly well known around the world, after recently supporting Foo Fighters for six dates on their Take Cover stadium tour.