Iced Earth frontman Stu Block and bassist Luke Appleton officially announced that they both left the band. The decision was made a month after founding member of the metal group, guitarist Jon Schaffer, participated in the US Capitol insurrection on January 6 and just under four weeks after the FBI confirmed he had been arrested for six federal charges.
Block, who was previously attacked by a deleted social media post, where he claimed to have confused the meanings of the words “condemn” and “tolerate” in relation to the message that appeared to support the attack at the time it occurred, said his last decision was taken after careful deliberation.
The singer claimed to have informed Schaffer and his current board of directors of his immediate resignation, which occurred after reevaluating the situation by contemplating his career as an artist, as well as out of respect for the other members of the band who were still processing the reality of the events. that had happened.
“It’s time to embark on a new chapter, he wrote, closing the book on his decade-long role as an Iced Earth singer who sang on Dystopia, Plagues of Babylon and Incorruptible albums.
Block’s full statement is as follows:
Hello everyone,
Well, there are times and events when you have to take stock and reevaluate your life, work and trajectory for the future. That said, I informed Jon and his current administration that I must announce my resignation from Iced Earth with immediate effect.
Before making any personal decisions, I needed the last few weeks to process the situation, as well as to respect others in our field of processing the situation. I thank you all so much for respecting this. It is the best decision in many ways for my personal / professional growth going forward. It’s time to move on, heal and prosper.
Much love and respect to all of you. Do not worry! Stay tuned for news to come! It’s time to embark on a new chapter. Be nice to each other.
Stu Block ✌️❤️
Appleton, who joined the band in 2012 and played in Plagues of Babylon and Incorruptible, also released a statement announcing that he stepped down as Iced Earth bassist.
The statement says,
In response to recent events and circumstances, I have notified the management of Iced Earth and Jon that I will resign as an Iced Earth bassist with immediate effect.
I would like to thank everyone who sent me their support and love during this difficult time. Thanks!!!
Lucas
In response to Schaffer’s involvement in the Capitol riot, where he was photographed inside the government building while wielding a can of bear spray, his bands Iced Earth and Demons & Wizards were removed from Century Media’s active page. Blind Guardian singer Hansi Kursch, who also led Demons & Wizards, announced his resignation from the collaborative project with Schaffer on February 1.
Schaffer surrendered to the authorities on January 17, after appearing on the FBI’s “Most Wanted” list a week earlier. He must be extradited to Washington DC to deal with other legal obligations in relation to his criminal charges.