Frankie Palmeri (Emmure) discusses double standards surrounding politics in modern music

A lot of conversation has been triggered by James Hetfield’s recent onstage remarks regarding Metallica‘s decision not to utilize their band as a platform for political discourse. Hetfield said this at a performance at The Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada, on October 10.

Unless you live in Vegas, you’ve come a long way to spend some time with Metallica. We’re grateful for that — your travels, the money you spend, the time it took, thanks for coming to celebrate with us. And I just gotta say, Metallica is not here, like some other ‘entertainers’, to influence you with their bullshit, OK? We are here — no bullshit — we’re here to forget about all the outside shit, OK? Metallica’s agenda is love, energy and heavy music, baby!

Hetfield’s remarks have sparked intense discussion on social media and in comment sections, as algorithmic manipulation and bad actors continue to fuel a culture war among various political tribes. Hetfield’s wish to keep the band independent of politics and other issues has been supported by some. He has come under fire from some for remaining silent throughout these turbulent times. Hetfield’s speech has drawn criticism for its tone, which seems to denigrate performers who do voice their opinions. 

Given the sharp lyrical substance of early Metallica material, Hetfield has even been accused of hypocrisy. Vocalist Frankie Palmeri of the deathcore group Emmure has just added his own opinions to that continuing conversation.

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.

In the post on X below, Palmeri continued to interact with other social media users over his previously indicated assertion. A commenter stated:

I listen to so many left leaning liberal bands like Fox Lake, Silent Planet, and countless others who have some kind of world philosophy songs here and there and I’ve not been convinced of their lyrics to lean their way. Maybe here and there, but never anything that’s made me go “wow my worldview is forever changed we should totally free palestine.”

I remember a certain band made a song about bringing guns to school and never once thought “wow I should totally do that.” Just put the breakdowns and chorus’ in the bag and take my money and time.

Palmeri responded with a sweat emoji to that comment, which made allusion to Emmure’s previous contentious song “Bring A Gun To School.” Palmeri also added:

For sure.

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.

Palmeri responded as follows to a social media user who asked, “Is that bad?” in response to his initial statement. 

Yeah. It is bad. How are you missing the point here? 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.

Another person stated:

That’s how they roll. You’re either with us 100% or you’re against us… and in that case, we want you dead.

To which Palmeri replied:

I understand the seduction of it all. The safety, the group think, a chance to lash out violently with your comrades. Dangerous stuff.

A different person wrote:

This is partially true. Conservatives will listen to music that contradicts their beliefs, up to a certain level of pushiness. The reverse is not the case

Palmeri’s response:

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!