There’s been a lot of controversy in recent days over James Hetfield’s statement that Metallica, as a band, don’t want to express political opinions or influence their fans. Instead, they want to help us forget all the political bullshit, because Metallica means love, energy, and heavy music. Many people are criticizing Hetfield for this statement, apparently considering the American metallers sellouts, while others agree with him and believe Metallica are right to remain apolitical. I belong to the latter group. Let’s break it down, though.
I believe that art should not be politically committed or connected to politics and religion. We shouldn’t mix these things together, since art has absolutely nothing to do with political or religious beliefs! Why should we give art a political or religious character? Art, and music in particular, is not a means to achieve something. It is not a tool for political and religious soldiers and generals. On the contrary, art is entertainment, a way for the soul to express itself, and its purpose is the inner purification and redemption of both the creator and the person experiencing the creation. Music purifies you. It keeps you away from ulterior motives, pettiness and self-interest, and teaches you to respect others, regardless of what they believe in or where they stand!
Besides, music brings people together; it doesn’t divide them into camps, groups or churches. Music brings people closer, it doesn’t fan the flames of fanaticism, divide or polarize. We are all brothers and sisters who listen to rock and metal, in this case. Music means so much to us and connects us in an inseparable way, creating a close-knit community united by a shared spirit. No political or religious ideology will ever destroy the harmony that music brings. Politics and religion belong to different spheres, unrelated to notes, harmonies and chords! Regardless of our political affiliations or which God we believe in, we have our songs, with their melodies, choruses and riffs, that will accompany us throughout our lives.
I wonder about something. If Metallica, Iron Maiden or Judas Priest expressed a political opinion or religious belief in their songs that you disagreed with, how would you react? Would you still listen to that band? Even if it were just those particular songs? I don’t think so. And that would be where the damage was done! What we listened to would depend on whether an artist shared our beliefs! Such a political or religious stance expressed through music would influence us, as we would reject the “politically committed” artist! Polarization would only be a matter of time…
I want to listen to music and escape from it all! I can’t listen to my favorite musicians only to have them constantly bombarding me with politics or their metaphysical beliefs. I don’t want to get depressed by politics, nor do I want my soul to be darkened by opposing concepts such as “angel or demon” and “heaven or hell”. Where each of us stands is something we can decide for ourselves at another time, certainly not while listening to an inspired rock or metal album.
That’s why Hetfield is right! We’re talking about music, energy, and love! Not about who each of us votes for, for example, when election day comes! It’s only rock ’n’ roll, baby!
Dimitris Zacharopoulos
P.S.: Yes, Metallica have made statements through their songs. But let’s ask ourselves: are these statements political, or are they anti-war, humanistic, and in favor of love?!
