Metal musician among bikers jailed for Texas melee

Among the 170 people facing organized crime charges stemming from the deadly shootout amongst rival motorcylce gangs in Waco, Texas this past weekend is a veteran metal musician. Theron Rhoten, 35, booked and charged on Sunday, is a member of several Austin, Texas area bands, Sans Soleil, Communion, and The Roller. While not nationally known, the groups have opened for for a slew of bigger acts, including Russian Circles, YOB, Earth, Goatsnake, and Lecherous Gaze. Interestingly, Rhoten's wife made national news this week when she proclaimed her husband's innocence to The Associated Press. Katie Rhoten told the AP that her husband ducked for cover amidst the shooting and was later arrested along with motorcycle enthusiast friends and other "nonviolent, noncriminal people." "He's good to his family," she explained. "He doesn't drink; he doesn't do drugs; he doesn't party. He's just got a passion for motorcycles." Rhoten said her husband, an Austin mechanic, called her from jail and said that he and other members of Vise Grip Club ran for cover as the violence erupted. The Vise Grip Club specialize in building and riding vintage and antique motorcycles according to spokesman Brian Buscemi. Like all of the arrested bikers, Theron Rhoten is being held on a $1 million bond.