Jon Schaffer Calls Ex-Singer 'Poser' Over Capitol Riot Comments

Jon Schaffer, guitarist for Iced Earth, recently discussed the departure of former band members Stu Block and Hansi Kürsch following the January 6, 2021, incident at the U.S. Capitol. Schaffer expressed a desire for fans to forgive Block and Kürsch, but he characterized Block's actions of initially supporting and then condemning the events as a "total poser move." This statement emerged during an interview where Schaffer reflected on the aftermath of the Capitol breach and his subsequent legal proceedings.

Schaffer's Legal Outcome and Reflections

Jon Schaffer was identified as a person of interest after being photographed inside the U.S. Capitol Building on January 6, 2021. This event involved individuals breaching the building to try and stop the presidential power transfer. Following his appearance on an FBI most-wanted list, Schaffer turned himself in to authorities.

In 2024, Schaffer received his official sentence. He was given three years of probation and ordered to complete 120 hours of community service. Additionally, he was required to pay $1,000 in restitution and a $200 financial assessment for his involvement in the January 6 Capitol attack. This legal process concluded a significant period for the musician.

Comments on Former Bandmates

During a recent appearance on the Podcast of the Wicked, Schaffer discussed his former bandmates. He was asked about their reactions and handling of his situation after January 6. Schaffer urged fans to stop criticizing Stu Block and Hansi Kürsch.

"Let me just take this opportunity to say, I hope that the fans out there will stop — I mean, my wish is that they would stop hating on Stu and on Hansi… The guys were pressured. Some guys handled it better, some guys handled it very weak and kind of pathetic," Schaffer stated.

He then focused on Stu Block's actions. Block reportedly made a social media post on January 6, 2021, that seemed to support the events. He later reversed his stance, issuing a statement condemning the unrest. Schaffer viewed this change as a significant misstep.

"I think the biggest issue when it comes to Stu is that he made a post [on Jan. 6, 2021] cheering it on and then flipped and that looks like a total poser move. You know what? It is a total poser move, but it's okay. Forgive him. We did some great work together. I had some of the best times in my life with Stu… I have very precious memories with Stu, so please just forgive him. I forgive him."

Relationship with Hansi Kürsch

Schaffer noted that his relationship with Hansi Kürsch remains strong. He explained that they spoke multiple times before he turned himself in. Kürsch was reportedly under significant pressure due to the situation but understood Schaffer's perspective.

"Everybody is a flawed human being. And the thing is Hansi and I are still close and we are always gonna be. And the difference is that we talked before I turned myself in, several times, and I knew what was coming because the pressure he was under and he hated it. But it's a witch hunt. It was a witch hunt. And it is what it is. It's a bummer, because we write great stuff together and we were on a serious trajectory."

Despite their continued closeness, Schaffer believes that future musical collaborations with Kürsch are unlikely. However, he expects their personal friendship to endure. This indicates a separation of professional and personal ties.

Stu Block's Perspective and Departure

Stu Block's initial social media post, which was later deleted, expressed satisfaction with the events of January 6. He wrote, "Oh it's happening! History in the making. Sending love to my friends in the U.S. and all over the world!" This post caused immediate controversy.

On January 9, 2021, a statement attributed to the entire band was posted on Block's social media. It read, in part: "absolutely DO NOT condone nor do we support riots or the acts of violence that the rioters were involved in on January 6th at the U.S. Capitol building. We hope that all those involved that day are brought to justice to be investigated."

Block later told media outlets, "I live in Canada and do not really engage in political stuff or share my beliefs. I have chosen to spread love and not comment or allow any hate." This further distanced him from the earlier comments and the events themselves.

In mid-February 2021, both Stu Block and bassist Luke Appleton confirmed their departures from Iced Earth. Guitarist Jake Dreyer also shifted his focus to Witherfall, effectively putting Iced Earth on hold due to Schaffer's legal issues.

In an August 2021 interview, Block reflected on Schaffer's actions. "We all make bad decisions, man, and [Jon] fucked up real bad. I'm sure he knows it, and I think everybody with half a brain knows it… The line that was crossed with going in and all that."

Block also shared his feelings about Schaffer personally: "At the end of the day, I don't hate him. I'm not writhing in hate for him. I feel sad. I feel bad that everything went down the way it did. And maybe one day we'll talk. I don't know. I'm not too sure. But I think he knows that I still have a place in my heart for him, because I've seen that man do a lot of amazing, wonderful things for people. But I just wanna move on."

When asked for comment on Schaffer's recent statements, Block directed inquiries to a Facebook comment where he expressed being "absolutely gutted right now." Schaffer, for his part, stated he holds no ill will towards Block, but has no interest in resuming their previous close relationship. "I really don't have any ill will. I know [Stu's] true colors, so that's a good thing. I'm not interested in hanging out like we did — I have no interest in that — but he's a part of the band's history and we did some great stuff together. And I wish him well."

Future of Iced Earth

Despite offers, Jon Schaffer has indicated that he is not interested in reuniting Iced Earth in the near future. He emphasized that any return would need to be driven by genuine inspiration, not financial gain.

"Look, the short answer is no, not anytime soon," Schaffer said. "I just want the fans to know that this has been a lot, and I've had great offers, great financial offers [to bring Iced Earth back], so if it was about chasing money, but that's a checkers move, first of all."

He further elaborated on his reasons for not rushing a comeback. Schaffer explained that any new Iced Earth material or performances would need to be of exceptional quality, not merely "good." He believes forcing a reunion would not benefit anyone involved.

"It wouldn't be good for me or the band or the crew or the fans, because I need to do this because I love it and whatever happens needs to happen and be truly inspired and not a 'good' Iced Earth record or a 'good' show or whatever; it's gotta be gold. And that's gonna take some time," Schaffer added. "I don't wanna push and force something because it's not gonna be good for anybody — it's not gonna be good for me, it's not gonna be good for the band, it's not gonna be good for the fans."

This suggests that while the possibility of Iced Earth returning exists, it will only happen when Schaffer feels genuinely ready and creatively inspired. The focus remains on quality over quick financial returns.

Bands Where Most Members Quit

Iced Earth is not unique in experiencing a mass exodus of members. Several other bands have faced similar situations:

• Delain: In 2021, most members left, leaving keyboardist Martijn Westerholt as the sole member. He has since rebuilt the band.
• Thundermother: In 2023, the singer, drummer, and bassist left after disagreements with guitarist Filippa Nassil.
• Emmure: In 2015, all members except singer Frankie Palmeri departed. Palmeri continued the project with new musicians.
• FEVER 333: In 2022, founding members Aric Improta (drums) and Stephen Harrison (guitar) left, leaving vocalist Jason Aalon Butler as the only remaining member.
• The Faceless: In 2018, three of four members quit, with issues like alleged drug use cited as reasons.
• Last Ten Seconds of Life: In 2022, the vocalist, bassist, and drummer left, leaving guitarist Wyatt McLaughlin to form a new lineup.
• Every Time I Die: The band dissolved in 2022 after internal conflicts, including public disputes between vocalist Keith Buckley and other members.
• Creed: After a controversial concert in 2002 and subsequent legal issues, the band broke up in 2004, with the instrumentalists forming Alter Bridge.
• Nervosa: In 2020, two-thirds of the Brazilian thrash metal band left, but guitarist Prika Amaral vowed to continue and rebuilt the group.

These examples show that band breakups, especially with multiple members leaving, are a recurring theme in the music industry. The remaining members often face the challenge of rebuilding or moving on to new projects.