Metal Anarchy

Last year, Iced Earth’s Jon Schaffer called Stu Block a “poser” after the singer reversed course on his support of the guitarist’s involvement in the January 6, 2021 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Now, many months later, Block has officially responded.

Schaffer initially said the following during an appearance on the “Podcast Of The Wicked“:

“Let me just take this opportunity to say, I hope that the fans out there will stop — I mean, my wish is that they would stop hating on Stu and on Hansi [Kürsch]… The guys were pressured. Some guys handled it better, some guys handled it very weak and kind of pathetic. And I think the biggest issue when it comes to Stu is that he made a post [on January 6, 2021] cheering it on and then flipped and that looks like a total poser move. You know what? It is a total poser move, but it’s okay. Forgive him. We did some great work together. I had some of the best times in my life with Stu… I have very precious memories with Stu, so please just forgive him. I forgive him… I really don’t have any ill will. I know [Stu’s] true colors, so that’s a good thing. I’m not interested in hanging out like we did — I have no interest in that — but he’s a part of the band’s history and we did some great stuff together. And I wish him well.”

Block has since fired back:

“I’ve been reflecting on a comment made about me many months ago by someone I once considered a friend, and I think there’s a bigger conversation worth having here.

Calling someone a “poser” is often a sign of immaturity and insecurity because it replaces meaningful conversation with shallow judgment. It suggests that someone believes they have the authority to decide who is authentic, who belongs, and who is worthy of respect.

True confidence doesn’t require questioning someone else’s authenticity to validate your own. When you’re secure in who you are, you don’t need to diminish others for having different beliefs, experiences, or perspectives.

Especially in the metal community, where individuality, rebellion, and freedom of expression have always been celebrated, calling someone a poser is incredibly ironic. You’re essentially demanding conformity within a culture that prides itself on rejecting it.

It’s a weak argument because it isn’t really an argument at all. It’s a label used to dismiss someone without having to engage with what they actually think,have to say, believe, or stand for.

There’s nothing impressive about appointing yourself the gatekeeper of someone else’s identity or integrity. Maturity is understanding that people can walk different paths, change their opinions based off fact , disagree passionately, stand by their own convictions, and still deserve respect.

I don’t need anyone’s approval to validate my authenticity, my contributions, or the years I’ve dedicated to my craft. My work, my character, and my actions speak for themselves.

Authenticity isn’t something you prove by tearing others down. It’s something you demonstrate through your own actions.

And perhaps the greatest irony is that those who spend the most time accusing others of being posers or tearing you down are almost always the very people most concerned with proving how authentic they are. It just seems so desperate and weak.

Real strength is having the courage to stand by your own convictions, even when doing so costs you the approval of others. Weakness is believing that anyone who doesn’t stand beside you must somehow be beneath you.

I have nothing to prove by insulting someone else. I’d rather let my actions, my music, and the way I treat people define who I am.

At the end of the day, respect isn’t about agreeing with everything someone says or does. It’s about having enough maturity to recognize that disagreement doesn’t erase someone’s worth, accomplishments, or integrity.

YOU do not get to define someone else’s authenticity simply because they chose a different path than yours.”

[via Blabbermouth]