Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
Former Iced Earth vocalist Stu Block has responded at length to guitarist Jon Schaffer’s earlier description of his actions as a “poser move,” arguing that personal convictions and authenticity cannot be judged by someone else.
In a new Facebook statement reported by Blabbermouth on November 3, Block addressed remarks Schaffer made during a September 2025 appearance on the “Podcast Of The Wicked”. Schaffer had criticized the singer for changing his public stance after the January 6, 2021 attack on the United States Capitol.
Block said he had been reflecting on a comment made by someone he once regarded as a friend. He argued that calling another person a poser replaces meaningful discussion with judgment and undermines the individuality that metal culture often celebrates.
“True confidence doesn’t require questioning someone else’s authenticity to validate your own,” Block wrote.
He added that people can disagree, reconsider their opinions and take different paths while still deserving respect. In his view, an individual’s character should be judged through their conduct rather than through labels assigned by others.
“YOU do not get to define someone else’s authenticity simply because they chose a different path than yours,” he concluded.
The disagreement stems from the aftermath of the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack, in which Schaffer participated. Block initially posted a message that drew criticism for appearing to celebrate events in Washington, but subsequently clarified that he did not support violence or the actions of the rioters.
Block left Iced Earth in February 2021. In a 2025 podcast interview, Schaffer called Block’s change of position a “total poser move,” while also saying that he held no personal hatred toward his former bandmate and valued their shared musical history.
Schaffer was sentenced in October 2024 to three years of probation and 120 hours of community service in connection with the Capitol attack. He was later among those pardoned by US President Donald Trump.
Block’s latest statement makes clear that the criticism has remained a point of contention more than a year after Schaffer’s interview. Neither musician has announced plans to resume their former working relationship.
