Rock star pardoned by Trump for Jan. 6 on return to music: ‘Not here to please everyone’
Jon Schaffer, best known as a founding member of the metal band Iced Earth and for his role on Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, is returning to music.
And he is doing it with his group, Sons of Liberty, which Parade Magazine called a "politically oriented side project." The outlet reported that Schaffer plans to drop the band's new release "Thought Crimes (Volumes 1 & 2)" on July 4.
"Sons of Liberty was always meant to be more than music; it was a wake-up call and an attempt to start brushfires in the minds of those with ears to hear," he said in a statement. "Those who know me, know that I am not here to please everyone, not with my music, nor with my ideals and principles. My wish with the first SOL album in 2009 was to inspire the people to inform themselves.
"In the future it is my intention to write a new chapter of Sons music focusing on what I believe to be the solution," he added. "Until then, as a great friend and mentor says … Don't aggress. Be an excellent human. Live and let live. Peace."
Schaffer was among those pardoned by President Donald Trump for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol Building.
Per Loudwire , Schaffer was sentenced in October of 2024 to three years of probation and 120 hours of community service. Schaffer was also order to pay $1,000 in restitution as well as a $200 financial assessment.
Schaffer was among those who stormed the Capitol Building in an attempt to stop the transfer of power from Donald Trump to Joe Biden, per Loudwire. The site said Schaffer was photographed storming the building, and that he was wearing a tactical vest and a hat that read "Oath Keepers Lifetime Member." The site said he was also carrying bear spray.
After his punishment was handed down, Schaffer issued a lengthy statement.
"I profoundly regret my actions on January 6th, 2021," he wrote according to Loudwire. "I haven't been a perfect man, but for the majority of my life, I've been a very productive man, and have tried to live my life with integrity and a disciplined work ethic. I deeply love our country and the founding principles that have inspired people from all over the world to look at the USA as a beacon of hope for all humanity. Having traveled the world for over 30 years and having performed in approximately 100 countries, it was always a great feeling and relief when the airplane would safely land at home on US soil.
"When the global pandemic came upon us, and chaos ensued all around the US in 2020, I was very concerned about what seemed to be a collapse of our country and the rule of law," he continued. "When the 2020 election took place and I saw many public officials and media outlets reporting that the election was stolen, my concern deepened. This led to my decision to go to D.C. and have my voice heard. I'm not excusing my impulsive behavior. I was wrong, and I take ownership of my actions. I own the fact that I made a huge mistake, and I wish I never would have gone there. In fact, the consequences have been devastating of my life, family, friends, business, colleagues and business partners."
Schaffer wrote that he "knew immediately" that he let his emotions get the best of him and that he "made a terrible mistake."
"I drove home to Indiana the following morning on Thursday, January 7th, 2021," he continued. "On the 8th I found my attorneys, and at my request they immediately reached out to the authorities. I willingly surrendered and cooperated with authorities. Initially, I was charged with multiple serious federal felony offenses and I feared I may spend the rest of my life in prison. I spent several months in custody following my self-surrender. I was placed in solitary confinement with horrendous conditions, which was an extremely traumatic experience. I became the first person of hundreds of co-defendants to enter a guilty plea and have now been sentenced to probation."
Schaffer wrote that he wanted to express his remorse from the very beginning but had to remain silent as he cooperated with the wishes of federal authorities. He said that he joined "a wonderful church" and has "improved myself spiritually, mentally, and physically."
"To my fans who have continued to support me throughout this deeply embarrassing ordeal, I want to apologize for letting you down and thank you for keeping me going," he continued. "To those fans who I have lost due to my decisions that day, I certainly understand. I humbly ask everyone to allow me to demonstrate through my actions how far I've come. I wish to continue to use my art to unite people, and never to divide."
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