The frontman of Lamb of God, Randy Blythe, has responded strongly to critics who argue that musicians should stay out of politics. Speaking in a new interview with Kerrang!, Blythe defended the right of artists to speak out on social issues, saying it is not only a right but also a moral responsibility.
When asked how he reacts to people who say entertainers should avoid political commentary, Blythe replied bluntly: “To those people, I say ‘Go fuck yourself.’ I’m an American citizen and a world traveler. More than that, I’m a human being. I’m not some dancing monkey put here for your entertainment.” According to the vocalist, ignoring serious issues for personal convenience reflects a loss of basic moral values. “If you have any sort of moral compass at all, it’s irresponsible not to exercise your right to speak up. If people are willing to compartmentalize something like a child sex trafficking ring because they think it might improve their bank account, they’ve lost a component of their humanity.”
Blythe also criticized those who remain silent about injustice for personal gain. “You’re not going to be able to carry your money into the grave, but you will carry the memories of silently going along with people who enabled child sex predators,” he said.
Despite his harsh criticism, the singer stated that he remains hopeful about the future. He acknowledged that an apocalyptic perspective has often shaped his worldview and the lyrical themes of his band. “There is an apocalyptic side to my nature. I admit that, and plenty of our lyrics reflect it. I have to watch myself with that. It’s okay to pay attention to what’s happening and be worried, but you should also do your best to change it.”
The vocalist emphasized that democratic systems depend on citizen participation. “Everyday citizens in a functional democracy have a right to vote and they need to not become apathetic. If I don’t engage in the system and try to be a force for positive change, then I’m abandoning my responsibility,” he said, adding that he is frustrated by the defeatist attitude he often sees. “People say, ‘It doesn’t make a difference.’ Well, if you don’t do anything, then of course it won’t make any difference.”
Blythe closed with a direct call to civic action: “So please go to the voting booth and do what you can. I don’t understand politics in the U.K., but I do know that you need to vote. Don’t just be an apathetic slug and complain when everything turns to shit.”
Lamb of God's new album, 'Into Oblivion', will be released on March 13 via Century Media.
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Randy Blythe of Lamb of God defends musicians speaking out about politics: “I’m not a dancing monkey for your entertainment.”
Randy Blythe of Lamb of God defended musicians' right to speak about politics and criticized social apathy, stating that remaining silent in the face of injustice is a moral irresponsibility.
The frontman of Lamb of God, Randy Blythe, has responded strongly to critics who argue that musicians should stay out of politics. Speaking in a new interview with Kerrang!, Blythe defended the right of artists to speak out on social issues, saying it is not only a right but also a moral responsibility.
When asked how he reacts to people who say entertainers should avoid political commentary, Blythe replied bluntly: “To those people, I say ‘Go fuck yourself.’ I’m an American citizen and a world traveler. More than that, I’m a human being. I’m not some dancing monkey put here for your entertainment.” According to the vocalist, ignoring serious issues for personal convenience reflects a loss of basic moral values. “If you have any sort of moral compass at all, it’s irresponsible not to exercise your right to speak up. If people are willing to compartmentalize something like a child sex trafficking ring because they think it might improve their bank account, they’ve lost a component of their humanity.”
Blythe also criticized those who remain silent about injustice for personal gain. “You’re not going to be able to carry your money into the grave, but you will carry the memories of silently going along with people who enabled child sex predators,” he said.
Despite his harsh criticism, the singer stated that he remains hopeful about the future. He acknowledged that an apocalyptic perspective has often shaped his worldview and the lyrical themes of his band. “There is an apocalyptic side to my nature. I admit that, and plenty of our lyrics reflect it. I have to watch myself with that. It’s okay to pay attention to what’s happening and be worried, but you should also do your best to change it.”
The vocalist emphasized that democratic systems depend on citizen participation. “Everyday citizens in a functional democracy have a right to vote and they need to not become apathetic. If I don’t engage in the system and try to be a force for positive change, then I’m abandoning my responsibility,” he said, adding that he is frustrated by the defeatist attitude he often sees. “People say, ‘It doesn’t make a difference.’ Well, if you don’t do anything, then of course it won’t make any difference.”
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Blythe closed with a direct call to civic action: “So please go to the voting booth and do what you can. I don’t understand politics in the U.K., but I do know that you need to vote. Don’t just be an apathetic slug and complain when everything turns to shit.”
Lamb of God's new album, 'Into Oblivion', will be released on March 13 via Century Media.