Phil Anselmo Apologises For Nazi Salute, Offers To Quit Down
Thursday, 04 February 2016
Written by Huw Baines
Phil Anselmo has offered a further apology and suggested his bandmates move on without him after Down were dropped from a festival bill due to his use of a Nazi salute and shout of “white power” at Dimefest last month.
The former Pantera vocalist’s actions, which he initially passed off as the "inside joke of the night", were widely condemned and have now led to Down being axed from the line up at the Dutch festival FortaRock.
“There has been close consultation between all parties recent days, since we wanted to make a well informed decision,” FortaRock organisers said in a statement. “On that basis, the decision is made to cancel the act. We want to make clear that there is no room for racism or fascism on FortaRock.”
Anselmo has posted a new message to his website, following a video apology, which you can read below. Down are booked to play a series of European festivals this summer, including Download at Donington.
To all this will concern,
Every citizen in this entire world has the unalienable right to live with dignity and respect without hate or oppression. And I mean this, with all of my crushed, yet, guilty heart.
It’s common knowledge that we can choose to either learn from our mistakes, or continue on a path of insensitivity and destruction.
I am utterly responsible for the mistakes I have made, and can only give you my word to no longer do them in the present, through ACTION, not just mere words.
My band mates are now experiencing the consequences of my behavior, and I now publicly apologize to them as well. Never in my entire lifetime would I drag them down with me, and I’ve privately suggested to them that they move on without me.
My biggest obstacle(s) are the over-indulging in the booze and blurting out spiteful, ignorant reductions of the human spirit itself. I will address these issues, head-on.
I’m repulsed by my own actions, and the self-loathing I’m going through right now is justified by the hurt I’ve caused.
I realize we live in a society where apologies are NOT accepted easily, yet long for a day when they can be, but I also understand if I’m shunned till I hit the dirt.
From the bottom of my heart, and with all sincerity, I once again am truly sorry for the pain I have caused.
With truth, love, hope & respect-
Philip H. Anselmo
UPDATE: Pepper Keenan, Anselmo's bandmate in Down, has responded with a statement published to his Facebook page. Read it below.
Any one who knows me is aware that I am not one to dabble much in social media, however due to what transpired last week at Dimebash I feel the need to respond and reach out to friends, family, music peers and fans worldwide.
I am saddened and confused by the behavior of Philip Anselmo last week. I do not condone what was gestured and said. This lapse in judgment of “making a joke” was in terribly poor taste and unacceptable.
That philosophy is the opposite of what I am about. My heart follows love and soul and my music has been inspired from people of all walks of life and musical styles. I view music as a gift that is universal and intended for all of humanity. As a proud New Orleanian, life is about celebrating diversity through music, it’s about bringing people together, not tearing apart.
I won’t speak for Phil but I’ve known him most of my life and I know there is not hate in his heart, however I hope at this moment in time Phil will focus his energy on self-reflection and begin the process of regaining perspective, healing himself and those lives he has touched through music
Through Down, Philip and I have written many beautiful and powerful songs in the past that have touched and inspired people from all walks of life positively and have helped pull many out of their own darkest hours. This is not something I take for granted and should always be at the forefront of one’s conscience to keep you grounded, humbled and grateful.
One of the responsibilities and joys, in my opinion, of being an artist or musician is having the ability to help make the world a better place.
I accept Phil’s apology, and I believe he can.
I’ll be there…if needed.
Love and Respect,
Pepper Keenan
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