Metal Anarchy

Bad Wolves’ Tommy Vext recently made headlines after posting a controversial video in which he discussed a conspiracy theory regarding the ongoing Black Lives Matter movement and seemed to suggest that racism is “manufactured.” However, the frontman soon followed up with a statement saying his comments were “widely misunderstood” Now, Bad Wolves guitarist Doc Coyle has commented on the situation.

Coyle said the following:

“I have been uncharacteristically quiet with regard to the Instagram video & backlash to said video about Black Lives Matter recently released by Bad Wolves singer, Tommy Vext. While it should be noted that I advocate for free speech & don’t want to censor anyone, I wholeheartedly disagree with the content of this video.

I speak for & represent myself. Thankfully, today Tommy offered a retraction/clarification on his thoughts on the matter & the video has been deleted. That means a lot to me. Some people agree & that’s ok. Some people disagree & that’s ok. But I apologize to anyone who was hurt.

Some in the media will exploit this as a flashy band-feud, but Tommy & I have spoken. We’ve heard each other, & that’s what this time should be about. Listening to one another. If he & I can disagree & be in a band together, then we as a count, or society can find a way to find common ground despite ideological differences.

But we can’t do that if we are talking past each other. I’m not an activist. I’m not a civil rights leader. But I offer solidarity to those addressing historical and systemic racial inequities in this country.

Public band squabbles are bad for business, but if I didn’t make my voice heard about an issue pertaining to my own band, then I have no credibility to speak on other social issues that are important to me. I would be letting fear get the best of me.

I want to put the focus back on music, not politics. This is a distraction from what we are here to do — create, perform, & engage. It may sound corny, but I want our message to be one of inclusion & positivity because that’s what I truly believe in.

Thank you,

Doc Coyle”