Musicians call out Norma Jean’s Cory Brandan over insensitive BLM post
Norma Jean vocalist Cory Brandan shared a GIF on Twitter over the weekend that appeared to mock Black Lives Matter, and fans and fellow metal musicians are not standing for it.
The GIF read “BLAL BLAH BLAH BLAH” in large black letters reminiscent of the same font used by the movement. His caption simply read “Roll credits.”
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The GIF has since been deleted on Brandan’s Twitter. However, one fan reached out to Every Time I Die frontman Keith Buckley with a screenshot of the GIF stating, “Please never tour or associate with this band again.”
hey @everytimeidie @deathoftheparty please never tour or associate with this band again pic.twitter.com/A6nDbfI2vQ
— iced americano, short (@michael_aas) June 3, 2020
Buckley responded by explaining that Norma Jean has been blacklisted from ETID shows since before this incident.
“That ban has been in effect for a while now and will obviously continue. It will also be brought to the attention of any festival promoter that intends to include our bands on the same bill once touring resumes,” Buckley tweeted.
that ban has been in effect for a while now and will obviously continue. it will also be brought to the attention of any festival promoter that intends to include our bands on the same bill once touring resumes
— Keith (@deathoftheparty) June 3, 2020
Buckley shared support for the movement across his social media pages including being part of a test press merch fundraiser with Code Orange, Turnstile and Vein benefitting bail funds.
On his Twitter, he also spreads the word about police brutality incidents occurring in his hometown of Buffalo.
last night police officers on Bailey Ave in Buffalo attacked an unarmed black man who had his back turned, gassed peaceful protestors and broke hell loose. a fire doesn’t return to its source and it certainly doesnt consider to where it spreads https://t.co/OGd4DzGXOI
— Keith (@deathoftheparty) June 2, 2020
Buckley was not the only ETID member to react to the post. Bassist Steve Micciche posted a screenshot of the GIF saying, “This was actually posted by a musician in the hardcore scene. You actually had to think about this and hit send. This tone deaf insensitivity is just appalling.”
This isn’t cute, funny joke. It’s straight up fucking garbage. Can’t backpedal out of that.
— Steve Micciche (@MitchBHavin) June 3, 2020
He went on to share, “This isn’t cute, funny joke. It’s straight-up fucking garbage. Can’t backpedal out of that.”
In response to Brandan’s post, Micciche made a split donation to community bail funds and asked fans to do the same.
Personally I don’t post donation receipts, but I made another one an hour ago after reading this vile pig’s visual trash. This is a good one among the many out there I chose. If you have the means, perhaps you can do the same. https://t.co/lHYLHlg7US
— Steve Micciche (@MitchBHavin) June 3, 2020
Every Time I Die were not the only band to comment on the Norma Jean frontman’s post. Stick To Your Guns’ Jesse Barnett tweeted, “I know you are always trying to make it a point to own the libs but you’re a fucking punk bitch.”
https://twitter.com/SomeKindofJesse/status/1268000623695237121?s=20
Former Beartooth guitarist Taylor Lumley commented on Barnes’ post stating, “Don’t step foot in Columbus again.”
Don’t step foot in Columbus again.
— Taylor Lumley (@tlums) June 3, 2020
Read more: Spotify’s George Floyd tribute only needed one track to stand in solidarity
Brandan, who received backlash in the past for welcoming MAGA hats to his shows, answered fan DMs. One fan shared this exchange. In it, Brandan said, “Well it looks like someone RTd me big time so now I gotta do this shit all day.”
@CoryBrandan @NormaJeanBand Fuck all y’all. I tried to let the “maga hats welcome” shit slide, but this one does it for me. We ain’t listening to Norma Jean in this house anymore. Not sorry you “gotta do this shit all day.” Maybe don’t rt racist shit next time 🤷♂️ pic.twitter.com/BVqsL8kIno
— The Slammin Slameron (@nitsuanoremac) June 2, 2020
In his currently pinned tweet, Brandan stated, “I was uninformed about the GIF I posted. I didn’t realize it was mocking another one and I’m sorry to our fans and anyone else I’ve disappointed.”
https://twitter.com/CoryBrandan/status/1267920573738475522?s=20
Brandan also shared a thread explaining his actions and why he shared his post.
https://twitter.com/CoryBrandan/status/1267885599555497984?s=20
https://twitter.com/CoryBrandan/status/1267885614550089728?s=20
https://twitter.com/CoryBrandan/status/1267885617943400448?s=20
“Beyond that I am positive that there are things going on with the ‘powers that be’ and they are using us to fight and stay divided. Divided we are weak. United we would be strong,” he tweeted.
However, Micciche is not buying the apology.
https://twitter.com/mitchbhavin/status/1268001134289043458?s=21
To show support through donations, connect with grassroots campaigns and obtain resources for allies, please refer to the links below.
Help the family of George Floyd here.
Fight for Breonna Taylor here.
Help the family of Ahmaud Arbery here.
To sign petitions for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and more, click here.
Donate to one or more community bail funds for protesters here.
Click here for more resources for protestors including pro-bono lawyers.
Visit Movement For Black Lives for additional ways you can help the cause.
Click here to connect with leaders building grassroots campaigns.
Here are some anti-racism resources for allies who want to learn more.
For other ways to donate, please head here.
