Iced Earth guitarist Jon Schaffer has revisited his dispute with the band’s former singer, Stu Block, over the events of January 6, 2021, at the US Capitol. He claims Block completely changed his tune after facing criticism. The guitarist believes his former singer showed weakness under pressure.
Jon Schaffer criticizes Stu Block’s conduct
In a recent interview with The Gallery, Schaffer explained what he meant when he criticized Stu Block. Block had initially posted a message supporting the events at the Capitol, before deleting it and completely changing his stance.
“I didn’t say Stu was a poser. I said it was poser behavior to publicly support what was happening at the Capitol, then completely change sides.”
The guitarist believes Block gave in to the backlash. “That’s not really what I call sticking to your convictions. That’s giving in to pressure. It’s showing weakness under pressure.”
A few days earlier, Block had posted a lengthy message on Facebook criticizing the use of the term “poser” to belittle someone simply because they do not share the same beliefs, though he did not mention Schaffer directly.
Jon Schaffer discusses his former bandmates
Schaffer also discussed his relationships with former Iced Earth members. He says he has forgiven them, although he believes some failed to act like true friends after his arrest.
He believes Matt Barlow handled the situation best because he stayed out of the matter and did not take a public stance. The former singer also recently discussed the possibility of returning to Iced Earth, while making it clear that the decision was Schaffer’s to make.
As for Hansi Kürsch, who left Demons & Wizards in February 2021, the two musicians remain friends.
“Hansi is one of my best friends. I love him, and I know he feels the same way. […] If he wanted us to work together again someday, I’d do it without hesitation.”
However, there are currently no plans for a Demons & Wizards reunion. “We’re still friends, we talk, but right now, it’s not even on the agenda.”
Schaffer was sentenced in October 2024 to three years of probation and 120 hours of community service for his involvement in the Capitol attack. He subsequently received a presidential pardon from Donald Trump.
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