Five Finger Death Punch is very much a band that supports the men and women in uniform. So it is perhaps a little surprising to see frontman Ivan Moody speak out publicly about the recent events going on in the country, both with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and the murder of George Floyd after a cop sat on his neck for nine minutes, and three other cops surrounded him. Moody joins a chorus of rock and metal musicians speaking out against the injustice captured on video.
Moody posted a long video to his Instagram page where he went through both topics, first sending condolences to the families of those who lost somebody to COVID-19, and then calling out the government saying “I’d also personally like to say that I believe that our government — left and right — right now is failing us. The country is opening up, I believe, prematurely, and anybody who doesn’t see that, I also believe, is oblivious to the fact that this is affecting thousands and thousands of families and lives.»
Later in the video he changes topics to discuss the ongoing riots, and George Floyd saying «anyone who’s seen that film that doesn’t believe that those men should be in shackles awaiting trial for murder charges… I don’t think I have to say anything. This is an obvious fucking need for justice. This is something that can’t be overlooked. No longer is it geographical either; it doesn’t just pertain to one city. This is a national fucking problem, and it needs to be addressed immediately.»
He makes a point to defend «good cops» and sends a message to rioters, “To those of you that are rioting out there right now, or are thinking of doing so, remind yourself that there are a million cops out there right now who have their head in their hand, going, ‘What the fuck?’ because they started doing what they’re doing with the right intentions. They’re good people, they’re honorable police, and they would never do such things. So please don’t hold to account an entire section of American people for the few that are really fucking this up.»
Here is a transcript of his full statement, via MetalSucks. Video below.
“So as we sit here holding our breath collectively I figured I’d be the one falling on the sword at this point. First off COVID 19 exceeding 100,000 deaths here in the United States. I’d like to send my condolences to the families and to the essentials and to the first responders. I’d like to send my respect and my love. I’m sure I speak for thousands when I say we appreciate you’re going through and do.
“I’d also personally like to say that I believe that our government — left and right — right now is failing us. The country is opening up, I believe, prematurely, and anybody who doesn’t see that, I also believe, is oblivious to the fact that this is affecting thousands and thousands of families and lives.
“All of this can be avoided with small preparations — things that we’re taking for granted. Some of us do it, I’m assuming, because we’re just naïve to the fact of human life, I guess. I don’t understand it, and I don’t see why any of us would look to the people we put in power, at this point, to lead the way when it seems as if they can’t lead themselves.
“Again I’m aware I’m gonna catch heat for saying most of this but I believe in my heart it needs to be said.
“When it comes to the situation in Minnesota, anyone who’s seen that film that doesn’t believe that those men should be in shackles awaiting trial for murder charges… I don’t think I have to say anything. This is an obvious fucking need for justice. This is something that can’t be overlooked. No longer is it geographical either; it doesn’t just pertain to one city. This is a national fucking problem, and it needs to be addressed immediately.
“I come from a household and a family of people that people are people. There isn’t a definition of a person from their color or from their race, their ethnic background or their religions. We are American, and we stand as so. So this injustice needs to be rectified immediately.
“To those of you that are rioting out there right now, or are thinking of doing so, remind yourself that there are a million cops out there right now who have their head in their hand, going, ‘What the fuck?’ because they started doing what they’re doing with the right intentions. They’re good people, they’re honorable police, and they would never do such things. So please don’t hold to account an entire section of American people for the few that are really fucking this up.
“My condolences to the family and to those whose are affected by this. I truly apologize and I hope that justice is served.
“To all the men and women out there trying your hardest just to bring food to the fucking table right now, I know your struggle; I’ve been there. And as a parent, I know how fucking painful this is right now, trying to supply our children with answers, between home schooling and providing parenting in general and just being good people. My heart and my hat is off to you. We’re in this together — straight up. I’m not just saying that — we are.
“Like I said before I started this, these are all personal opinions, these have no weight when it comes to anyone else in my band or anyone in my family. These are things that I feel just need to be said. And with that being said, for what it’s worth, thanks for listening, be well.”
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