Hi everyone, it’s been a while since the last time I posted something, but one important event surfaced the web a couple of days ago (apart from the fact that several Rock icons were passed away recently). I can imagine that you already know about the controversy caused by Phil Anselmo at the end of the Dimebash fest the last month: Phil throw the Nazi salute and screamed “White Power” to the crowd. Everything went viral after the owner of the original video shared a 13 seconds video in which Phil appears doing the previously described, explaining his desire to share with everyone the Phil actions at the fest, and then, the snowball rolled down.
Tons and tons of comments on every single Metal community were posted regarding this, some of them calling to chill out and let’s pass this, that it was not big deal, although, 90% of the comments actually disapproved Phil’s actions. This reached more importance, when Robb Flynn from Machine Head, posted a 11 minutes response in which he slaps Phil and call him a “big bully”. Phil initially posted a brief explanation on the original video saying that it was an inside joke regarding White Wine, and that not apologies were required. A lot of other opinions disapproving towards Phil’s actions surfaced the web also. Phil finally posted a video, in which he can be seen it in a very serious and dark mood, explaining what really happened, and that he is 100% apologetic.
Well, I can continue describing the series of events regarding this, but that is not my intention, to be honest, especially when you can find better sources and videos on google and YouTube. Two important questions come out from all these events:
– Is Phil Anselmo racist?
– Shall the Metal community don’t allow racism in music?
In the current post, I would like to focus only on give you my opinion of the first question.
It is funny, but this is not the first time that Phil is involved in this kind of controversies, I remember saw a video dated from 2002, in which you can heard Phil scream “White Power” on the “New Level” chorus. Is not necessary to research that much, just type “Phil Anselmo” plus “White power” on youtube and you will find a lot of videos of past concerts or interviews, regarding this subject. But, does this makes him actually a racist? A follower of the white supremacy movement? Apart from all the well documented events, he has not been involved with a specific group or nobody has seen him attending a Neo Nazi meeting, or even more, attacking someone. I honestly don’t think that Phil be racist, but instead, I think that he was raised under a very American old fashioned style, and his principles are based in a very conservative basis. Although, this is not a justification on his actions, it is only an explanation, I personally hate any form of fascism and racism. Racism is a very dedicated thing to deal with, and it should be treated carefully. What happen here, and most likely that it was the same on previous occasions, is that Phil was totally intoxicated, completely high or something, and he just didn’t think twice the situation, and then, we already know the consequences.
Talking about consequences, Down upcoming show in the FortaRock festival was cancelled, they explained that there is no place for racism in the festival. Phil dropped another apology regarding this event, and I just saw that Pepper J. Keenan (his partner in Down) already posted something in the band’s official Facebook page, and he is accepting Phil’s apologies (thankfully Down won’t be disbanded).
As a conclusion, if Phil’s really wants to be active in the metal scene, I consider that he need do the following:
1) Prove that he is not racist, and that he is not involved in any form of hate group
2) It is critical for Phil enter into a rehab program, because there are many others things in danger, such as Housecore records, the Housecore horror fest, all his bands and finally his career. Also this implies, that in this way, I’m pretty sure that he will improve his performance in 200%, because lately is being mediocre at best.
Well guys, this my opinion regarding all these events, I’m not defending Phil, I strongly believe that if he is proven be racist, he should face the consequences of his ideas, although I already gave you my opinion, and I would be very glad to know yours, so please posted on the comment box section.
I will come up with the second part in a few days, so be pending for it.
Thanks for you time and Regards!
granulummusic 