Moshpits and pulpits as minster hosts metal gig

A heavy metal concert at York Minster will help the sacred site fulfil its mission and "inspire everyone", the Dean of York said.

Symphonic metal group Plague of Angels is set to combine with church organist David Pipe for the event in April titled Organic Metal – Two Worlds Collide.

The Minster said the concert would showcase the cathedral's restored Grand Organ, with 800 tickets "sold within an hour of going on sale".

Two people have objected to the concert taking place, the Minster confirmed, however the Very Rev Dominic Barrington said the band understood the "sacrality of the space they are performing in".

The concert begins with Mr Pipe's organ recital of rock classics by bands such as Black Sabbath and Deep Purple, the Minster said, followed by an hour-long performance by the band accompanied by the organ.

Despite some criticism over the booking, Dean Barrington said he hoped to welcome "those of all faiths and none to a showcase of the wonderful treasure of our Grand Organ".

A "once-in-a-century" refurbishment saw the organ dismantled and removed from the cathedral in 2018, with the £2m project completed in early 2021.

Dr Mark Mynett, guitarist in Plague of Angels, said: "In a time where bridging cultural divides is more important than ever, this concert is an opportunity to show that faith and the arts need not be in conflict but can instead enrich one another.

"I am approaching this concert with great excitement and I hope our audience is too."

Dean Barrington said the content of the concert would be in line with the cathedral's mission to "inspire everyone to experience God's love through our welcome, worship, and work".

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