Emmure vocalist Frankie Palmeri has weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding Metallica frontman James Hetfield‘s recent comments about politics and messaging in music.
During Metallica’s October 10th performance at The Sphere in Las Vegas, NV, Hetfield told the audience that the band was not interested in using its platform to influence fans with outside messaging stating:
On October 13th, Palmeri shared his thoughts on X, criticizing what he described as selective outrage over political messaging in music.
The ‘music is always political’ discourse is funny. Everyone parroting this wants political music ONLY if it aligns with THEIR brand of politics and world view. Otherwise they seethe and become blood thirsty mutants who literally want people to die for disagreeing with them.
Responding to another user, Palmeri clarified that he was not arguing against musicians expressing their views.
I am definitely not saying bands shouldn’t say what they want in their music. Just calling out the selective outrage and hypocrisy these people are droning on about. If words inspire people, great. It’s just so obvious they only want to hear one type of message.
When questioned about why he considered the situation problematic, Palmeri added:
It’s weak and makes the entire argument that music is inherently or should be political moot, when in fact they are not open to music that expresses or even alludes to countering their world view. Cowardice and hypocrisy.
In another exchange, Palmeri responded to a commenter who suggested that conservatives were more willing to listen to music that challenged their beliefs:
You know what’s funny? I didn’t even specify what political spectrum people are trying to establish as imperative to the art. Everyone just instinctively knows who I’m talking about. It’s crazy!
