Iced Earth Vocalist Stu Block and Bassist Luke Appleton Have Quit The Band

The-Pit-Filler-Image
Unsplash/Yvette de Wit
Published on:

On January 6th, 2021,  the world watched dumfounded as an angry mob of Trump-supporting election deniers broke into the Capitol Building, causing destruction and looting the United States Senate chamber with little to no resistance from the Capitol Police. As photos of the riot emerged, one of the protesters involved was quickly identified as Jon Schaffer, founding guitarist and chief songwriter behind American power metal act Iced Earth. Now, two members of Iced Earth — vocalist Stu Block and bassist Luke Appleton — have decided to quit the band, seemingly in response to Schaffer’s involvement and subsequent arrest.

Block, who has fronted the band since 2011, wrote on his Facebook, “Hey All, Well, there are times and events when you have to take stock and re evaluate your life, work, and trajectory for the future. That being said I have informed Jon and his current management that I must announce my resignation from Iced Earth with immediate effect.

“Before I made any personal decision I needed the last few weeks to process the situation as well as respect others in our camp processing the situation. I thank you all very much for respecting this. It’s the best decision in many ways for my personal/ professional growth going forward. Time to move on, heal and prosper.

“Much love and respect to you all. Don’t fret! Stay tuned for some exciting things to come! Time to embark upon a new chapter. Be good to each other.”

Hey All,

Well, there are times and events when you have to take stock and re evaluate your life, work, and trajectory…

Posted by Stu Block on Monday, February 15, 2021

Appleton, who joined the band in 2012, wrote on his own Facebook, “In response to recent events & circumstances, I have notified Iced Earth’s management and Jon that I will be resigning as the Iced Earth bassist with immediate effect.

“I would like to thank everyone who has sent me their support and love during this difficult time. Thank you!!!”

In response to recent events & circumstances, I have notified Iced Earth’s management and Jon that I will be resigning…

Posted by Luke Appleton on Monday, February 15, 2021

More on this story as it unfolds.

***

Words by Chris Krovatin