Five Finger Death Punch Singer Says Minneapolis Cops Deserve an “Obvious F*cking Need for Justice”

Five Finger Death Punch, more than most bands in the metal scene, have a lot to lose by coming out on the more liberal side of the spectrum with regards to recent events. The band’s fanbase is largely comprised of red state conservatives, and its members know this.

Which is why it’s surprising — and, dare I say, even courageous — for frontman Ivan Moody to come out against America’s hasty reopening in response to the coronavirus pandemic, and in favor of protestors saddened and angry by the murder of George Floyd by a police offer. Neither of those should be political issues, but in today’s climate, unfortunately, they are.

Wait a minute: is MetalSucks coming out in support of Moody and Five Finger Death Punch, our longtime nemeses? Shit, yesterday Attila backed us when they told Trapt’s singer to fuck off on our behalf, so it is indeed a crazy time to be alive!

Moody’s stance isn’t perfect by any means. In a video posted to his Instagram account, his take on the latest hot-button issues came with some qualifiers: “These are MY opinions. They in NO WAY reflect the opinions of my band(s), my fans, my friends or my family. These are mine,” he posted in a caption accompanying the video. Presumably many of those people would disagree with the views he’s expressing here, and it’s a shame he feels the need to announce this distance instead of just owning it.

He also didn’t come down as strongly against the police force as I believe is appropriate, saying most law enforcement officers are “good people” and “honorable police” and that’s it’s just “the few who are fucking this up.” I’ve seen a dozen or more upsetting videos the past few days alone that prove the problem is pervasive, and we’re all aware of the myriad other racially charged incidents with cops over the past few years. So, no, Ivan, just no.

And he says 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,” a sentiment often expressed by the “we’re all just Americans” right wing which belittles the every day experiences of people of color and their identities.

But this is still progress when it comes to Five Finger Death Punch, right? Their fans must be so mad at him and confused right now, and that brings me joy. Who knows, maybe his message will even resonate with some of those people.

Here’s a transcription of Moody’s video, which you can watch in the Instagram embed below:

“So as we ist here holding our breath colelctibely I figured I’d be the one falling on the sword at this point. First off covid 19 exceeding 100,000 deaths here in te united states. I’d like to send my conoledcnes to the famlies 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.”