(Since we ran this article Blabbermouth.net is reporting that lead guitarist Jake Dryer is focusing on Witherfall going forward.) Iced Earth singer Stu Block and bassist Luke Appleton have announced their effective departure from the band. Block, who joined Iced Earth in 2011 after fronting Into Eternity, issued the following statement via his social media: “Hey All, Well, there are times and events when you have to take stock and re evaluate your life, work, and trajectory for the future. That being said I have informed Jon [Schaffer, Iced Earth guitarist and leader] and his current management that I must announce my resignation from Iced Earth with immediate effect.
“Before I made any personal decision I needed the last few weeks to process the situation as well as respect others in our camp processing the situation. I thank you all very much for respecting this. It’s the best decision in many ways for my personal/ professional growth going forward. Time to move on, heal and prosper.
“Much love and respect to you all. Don’t fret! Stay tuned for some exciting things to come! Time to embark upon a new chapter. Be good to each other.”
Appleton, who joined the band in 2012 and played on the “Plagues Of Babylon” and “Incorruptible” albums, issued a separate statement saying: “In response to recent events & circumstances, I have notified Iced Earth’s management and Jon that I will be resigning as the Iced Earth bassist with immediate effect.
“I would like to thank everyone who has sent me their support and love during this difficult time. Thank you!!!”
Lead guitarist Jake Dryer has taken Iced Earth off of his social profiles and is said to be “focusing on Witherfall”, his main band. https://www.instagram.com/jakedreyerofficial/
Block and Appleton’s resignations from Iced Earth come a month after Schaffer was arrested for his role in last month’s riot at the U.S. Capitol. The 52-year-old musician, who resides in in Edinburgh, Indiana, is facing six federal criminal charges after he was accused of spraying a police officer with a pepper-based bear repellant during the January 6 insurrection. Schaffer waived his preliminary hearing as well as his rights to an identity hearing and production of a warrant in late January in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, court documents state. He will soon be transported by a United States marshal to Washington, D.C. where government lawyers and Schaffer’s legal team have mutually agreed to handle all proceedings. Schaffer is entitled to a hearing on the issue of pretrial detention upon his arrival in D.C., court documents said. Last month, government lawyers asked the judge to not offer Schaffer a bond when he goes in front of U.S. magistrate. Schaffer must prove to the federal magistrate that he is not a threat to himself or the public before being released on bail. Others who have been charged for insurrection at the Capitol have been given bail but ordered to surrender their firearms, avoid contact with other alleged Capitol rioters and stay away from all state capitol buildings. Some other alleged rioters have been prohibited from using social media and participating in any political rallies.