There will always be some level of controversy in the world of music, but who might be considered the most controversial artists in the world of metal and rock? Well, apparently one study has been able to confirm who those folks are.
As reported by Loudwire, a new study by TickPick has found the three most controversial figures in rock music; specifically, these are artists who fans have actually chosen to stop backing. TickPick worked with over a thousand music fans and covered a variety of musical genres. Among the data they collected, 66 percent agreed with the statement, “It’s impossible to separate a musician from their art,” which means these folks cannot support such an artist who has done something problematic or been accused of something problematic. 20 percent disagreed with that statement, and the remaining 14 percent had no opinion. Participants of this study range from the ages of 20 to 80 years old.
Of the top results, the actual top three artists are that of R. Kelly, Chris Brown, and Kanye West. When it comes to rockstars, the top three are: Bryan Adams, Marilyn Manson, and David Ellefson.
Per NBC News, Adams made several racist comments towards Asian and Asian Americans on Twitter back in May of 2020. Back in 2021, actress Evan Rachel Wood named Marilyn Manson as her abuser, with other women having come forward since Woods’ accusations and accusing Manson of sexual abuse. Ellefson was fired from Megadeth after some graphic videos and text conversations were leaked involving him and a younger woman.
What is your opinion on when an artist does something problematic or is accused of something problematic? Do you immediately turn away from that artist? Do you find yourself able to separate art from the artist? Or, do you find it difficult to separate art from artist?
If you want to read more of the study yourself, you can find that here.
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Words by: Michael Pementel
