Controversy has struck the metal music scene in Orlando, as Shell Shock II, a festival intended to raise funds for veterans and first responders with PTSD, faces a mass exodus of bands from its lineup. The reason cited is the booking of Kyle Rittenhouse, the teenager who was acquitted of fatally shooting two men and wounding another during the Kenosha protests in 2020. The Jacksonville metalcore band Evergreen Terrace, along with other acts such as Southpaw and Let Me Bleed, have pulled out of the event set for October 19 at Level 13 Event Center.
According to Bungalower, the bands withdrew after the announcement that Rittenhouse would be attending as a special guest. The decision to feature Rittenhouse was met with considerable backlash, as he has become a contentious figure, especially within the conservative circles of American politics. With major bands backing out, the only remaining act is a Texan Slipknot cover band, leaving the future of the event uncertain.
Evergreen Terrace explained their stance on withdrawing from the festival in another statement, "Evergreen Terrace has always supported and continues to support philanthropic events for veterans, PTSD awareness, child poverty, and many more, but we will not align with an event promoting a perceived murderer such as Kyle Rittenhouse capitalizing off of their pseudo celebrity," reported by Orlando Weekly. They conveyed that they would donate to a veterans charity instead, distancing themselves from phases associated with political rallies.
Despite the growing controversy and calls to cancel him, Shell Shock II is proceeding with the event. The organizer and podcast host Tyler Hover criticized those calling for the cancellation of the event, claiming they were a "liberal mob" in an effort to discredit and disrupt the festival. However, amidst the contentious atmosphere, Evergreen Terrace promised to perform in Orlando soon, teaming up with the other bands that dropped Shell Shock II in support of an associated veterans organization, as detailed by Orlando Weekly.
.jpg){kind=link}