From the Metal Insider gossip files: an anonymous source close to the project tells us Madonna nearly ruined over a thousand metalheads’ day this past Tuesday, when Opeth was scheduled to play New York’s Grand Ballroom at The Manhattan.

The 1,200 capacity venue rests on the top floor of the Manhattan Center and its main room, the 3,700-cap Hammerstein Ballroom. Apparently Madonna was rehearsing and storing gear and production at Hammerstein, and wanted the complex to herself. Opeth allegedly turned down a few generous buy-out offers from Madge, opting not to let their fans down and proceeded to destroy a 2-hour set filled with everything from obscure and old cuts to songs from their latest, 2008’s Watershed.

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