Metal Anarchy

Launceston, Tasmania city mayor Matthew Garwood is currently facing backlash after recently hanging out with Falling In Reverse’s Ronnie Radke despite his controversial past. The frontman has remained a divisive figure in the scene after serving prison time related to a fight that saw someone kill an 18-year-old. He has also been accused of sexual assault, abuse, racism, transphobia, etc.

Garwood initially said the following:

“Maybe one of the most controversial characters in my generation of the hard rock music scene

Through Escape the Fate and now Falling in Reverse – Ronnie Radke!

Through changes and empathising genera and personal challenges – was awesome to spend sometime together and talk all things Tassie and personal growth and learning.

Always a mic drop moment when I get to play the “Mayor card.”

Haters keep coming strong but strength is in believing in yourself, the support around you and the resilience to carry on.

*new collab dropping 2026!”

According to ABC, this resulted in backlash from members of the Launceston City Council. Among the council members speaking out were Lindi McMahon and Andrea Dawkins. McMahon said the following:

“I stand in solidarity of all the women who have suffered at the hands of violence whose voices are continually silenced while men like Ronnie Radke are given hero status.

I’m sure the women of Launceston who attended the launch of the 16 days of activism [against gendered violence] would be questioning the sincerity of the words spoken by our mayor on that day.”

Dawkins added:

“They are understandably perplexed why our mayor would stand in solidarity with a person convicted of parole violations associated with violence.”

Notably, at least one council member, Joe Pentridge, supported Garwood:

“We’re getting a little too precious. Matthew‘s being a popular mayor and you can’t please everyone. I support Matthew because he was elected by the people.”

For his part, Garwood has since responded:

“As a heavy metal music fan, I headed off to Falling in Reverse meet and greet and I’m really disheartened that my post has caused some offence and concern. Noting that I absolutely could have worded and responded to it way better.

I attended not as an official rep of the City and posted on this, my personal page but, as I continue to learn, it seems that it’s difficult to differentiate or have a personal life in an elected role.

I saw this as simply an opportunity to meet a band that I went through high school listening to. Never to endorse any specific actions or personal positions of the band. I appreciate that people may have differing views on this, and I respect those perspectives.

I made a comment about “playing the mayor card”, which I said as a quip that my role as mayor is a pretty cool conversation starter – particularly visually in this situation with tattoos ect.

I understand that some members of the community have raised questions about member, Ronnie Radke’s past and my association with him. I was aware of some of the accusations but not every detail – it was about the music.

Sorry, I never want to cause distress or upset members of the community. As Mayor, I know I do things a bit differently and I remain committed to representing all residents of Launceston with integrity and openness.”