Kyle Rittenhouse

Rittenhouse Rocks... the Boat? Metal Festival in Chaos!

Bands bail on epic Florida metal festival after Kyle Rittenhouse announced as special guest!

In a surprising twist that’s shaking the heavy metal scene, the Shell Shock II festival in Orlando, Florida, is experiencing a band exodus after the announcement that controversial figure Kyle Rittenhouse would be making a special appearance. The festival, scheduled for October 19, was poised to be a heavy-hitting event, but after Rittenhouse’s name was dropped, several headlining acts, including a Slipknot cover band, have pulled out in protest, citing their opposition to Rittenhouse’s role as a polarizing figure in American society.

Rittenhouse became a household name in 2020 after being acquitted for shooting three men during the protests that followed the Jacob Blake incident in Kenosha, Wisconsin. His presence at a music festival targeting dedicated fans of metal music, a genre often associated with rebellious spirit and social commentary, has sparked intense backlash. Bands and fans alike are now taking to social media to express their opinions on the controversy, questioning what this means for the values of the festival. The fallout could be a cautionary tale for festivals looking to navigate the increasingly treacherous waters of celebrity endorsements and political affiliations.

As more bands announce their exit from Shell Shock II, the event organizers are scrambling to reassess their lineup and maintain the festival’s reputation as a marquee event in the metal calendar. The remaining acts are reportedly being rallied to ensure they are aligned with the festival’s ethos as well as the audience's expectations—something that's proving to be quite the challenge. This unexpected turn of events may just lead to an entirely new sound dominating the stage, or could spoil what could have been an epic gathering of metalheads.

In a twist that could only happen in today's world, the Slipknot cover band is now stepping into the spotlight as one of the main acts, showcasing that the show must go on, in whatever form it takes. Also worth noting is that a portion of the festival’s proceeds is earmarked for supporting first responders—a noble cause that is somewhat overshadowed by the drama unfolding. So, who would have thought that metal, a genre often surrounded by controversy, would find itself knee-deep in societal issues and celebrity controversies? Buckle up, metal fans; Shell Shock II is just about to get louder!