Police arrest Florida guitarist for spelling out national anthem

By NewsGram Staff Writer

When Lane Pittman jammed out the US national anthem at a US Independence Day party on his electric guitar he had no clue regarding the serious consequence that awaited him.

After he finished performing a stadium rock-style rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner", reportedly drawing a crowd of 200 people in Jacksonville, the Florida resident was arrested by the police for breach of peace.

Pittman, in comments posted with the video, explained that he originally set up to play in the street but was asked by a police officer to move back onto the pavement. After Pittman followed the policeman's advice he assumed that he could rock out legally.

Shortly thereafter he was arrested.

"I endorse good character and fun times within the system. I did not have a drop of alcohol in my system and was just trying to be as patriotic as I can, legally, on the day of our independence.

"I do not promote deliberately defying authority," the rocker defended himself. But sometimes rock and roll can be more than fun, it can be arresting.