Metal Anarchy

ABC have shared a new report focusing on the disturbing rape culture that plagued the Byron Bay hardcore and metalcore scene in the early 2000s. The article was inspired by Jed Gordon, Parkway Drive’s ex-merch guy and drummer Ben Gordon’s brother, who was recently sentenced for having sex with an underage girl during that time period.

Notably, a number of women were targeted by Jed. The victim in the recent court case, Rachel Kila, said the following about Jed, who pursued her when he was 21 and she was only 15:

“The facts are that he was an adult, and I was still a child. When I look at a 15-year-old, I think you can’t be choosing to engage in a relationship with an adult. Justice for me is actually hearing other people say that they were able to come forward and get some closure.”

One of the other accusers who came foreword was Siobhan Daysh, who said Jed was often referred to as “Ped Gordon.” She also added:

“His preferences for very young girls were pretty well known.”

She also blasted Parkway Drive for their response:

“To say that they didn’t know … all it was going to do is silence the girls and the women who need to come forward and feel safe to do so.”

The report also shared some documents including a business card that said the following:

“Parkway Drive

Tour Manager / Merch Dude

Hi, My Name Is Jed. We should hang out later, your cute!”

Two diary excerpts from accusers were also shared. The first entry came from a woman who was said to be about 14 at the time:

” … he sed 2 call him tomorrow since he is 2 scared 2 call me cus of my mum”

The second entry came from a woman who was said to be about 15 at the time:

“He’s so weird and gross … he’s like I hear you have a boyfriend now, I’m like yeh …he’s like ‘oh to bad for me, cause I’m in love with you again.’”

Police have been investigating the other allegations into Jed. However, his lawyer claims “they’re rubbish as far as [he is] concerned.”

Furthermore, Parkway Drive bassist Jia O’Connor was also brought up due to his past rap songs. One of the controversial tracks included lyrics about a 24-year-old “breaking the hymen” of 12-year-olds and a reference to someone who “probably tried to rape you or one of your friends.”

For his part, the bassist apologized, saying he is ashamed of “some of the songs.” He went on to say that they were written by “insecure teenagers,” who wanted to emulate “the hateful lyrics of Eminem and NWA without realising the consequences.”

O’Connor also added:

“In fact, many songs were never meant to be published, but some of the worst songs were leaked and ended up hurting people. While it was a toxic culture for boys, it was so much worse for girls, and I am deeply sorry for contributing to that.”

You can read more about the toxic scene HERE.