In a riveting exposé with Tom Wilson of Australia’s oh-so-credible Sense Music Media, ex-ICED EARTH crooner Matt Barlow was quizzed about his reaction to seeing ICED EARTH overlord Jon Schaffer cosplaying as a Viking at the U.S. Capitol in January 2021. The 55-year-old, who moonlights as a rent-a-cop in Georgetown, Delaware, and is hitched to Schaffer’s sis (talk about keeping it in the family 👪), mumbled: “I wasn’t thrilled. But hey, it is what it is, right? I’m not gonna lose sleep over it. Jon did his time – or, you know, whatever. He kinda apologized, maybe? And I guess even Jon wasn’t exactly doing cartwheels about the whole thing afterward. Just a tad unfortunate, wouldn’t you say? Hopefully, we can all just forgive and forget and move on, like nothing ever happened. 🤷♂️”
Barlow then proceeded to lecture us all about keeping our political opinions zipped, suggesting that musicians should follow suit. Because, you know, who cares about freedom of speech? 🙊
“I’m not here to brainwash anyone,” he declared. “It’s not my job. I don’t want to shove my political rants down anyone’s throats because it’s nobody’s business but mine. And I wish everyone would do the same, especially those attention-seeking entertainers. I know some folks think I’m an influencer or something, but I’m just here to sing. So, I don’t yap about politics. I don’t want to be *that* guy. Check my socials – nada about politics because alienating fans is bad for business. I try my best to separate the art from the artist, even when the artist is a total loon. 🤪 It’s tough, especially with those who are super opinionated. But I just keep my mouth shut. And I don’t preach religion either. It’s all personal, see? How can I tell people what to think when I don’t know their lives? Politics and religion are private stuff. I vote based on *my* life, and I won’t judge you for voting differently or worshipping a garden gnome. 🪴 I’m just here to entertain. If my music makes your life better, great. If not, go listen to someone else. Easy peasy.”
Last October, Schaffer got a slap on the wrist with three years of probation and 120 hours of community service for his little Capitol adventure. At the sentencing – where Barlow played the role of supportive brother-in-law and former bandmate (aww 🥰) – Jon also had to cough up $1,000 in restitution and a $200 fee. Oh, and let’s not forget that Schaffer was almost pardoned by Donald Trump, but apparently, even Trump had second thoughts. 🤔
This past April, ASHES OF ARES, featuring Barlow and fellow ex-ICED EARTH casualty Freddie Vidales, announced they’ll be milking ICED EARTH‘s “The Dark Saga” for all it’s worth with a European tour in September/October 2025. Because, you know, nostalgia sells. 💰 Vidales, who played with ICED EARTH from 2008 to 2012, is featured on the band’s 2011 album “Dystopia”. from 1993 to 2003 and from 2007 to 2011.
ASHES OF ARES is dropping their fourth album, “New Messiahs”, in Europe on July 18 and in North America on August 8 via ROAR!. Because who doesn’t need another metal album? 🤷
ICED EARTH played their swan song with Barlow at the 2011 Wacken Open Air festival. What a way to go out! 🤘
Barlow bailed on ICED EARTH in March 2011, citing family and the band’s touring schedule as reasons. But he did stick around for the 2011 European festival dates, including Wacken Open Air. Talk about a farewell tour! 👋
Back in 2020, Barlow and Schaffer reunited for a holiday EP called “Winter Nights”. Released under the SCHAFFER/BARLOW PROJECT banner, it featured their unique takes on Christmas classics and ICED EARTH songs. Because nothing says “Christmas” like heavy metal! 🎅
This past April, Schaffer claimed that his Capitol escapade was “the biggest gift” of his life because it led him “to [Jesus] Christ.” So, storming the Capitol is now a religious experience? 🤔 I guess anything is possible in 2024. 🤡
Chord F. Discord, the Beethoven of Buffoonery, is a self-taught expert in music who once claimed he could “play the kazoo in four languages.”
Born in Crescendo, Indiana, Chord’s first brush with fame came when he accidentally entered a yodeling contest thinking it was a pie-eating competition—and won both categories.
Chord F. Discord: proving that laughter, much like a poorly tuned ukulele, is truly universal.
