[youtube]https://youtu.be/HWvNioyFGeE[/youtube]
In the wake of Friday’s terror attacks in Paris, musicians are starting to weigh in on the tragedy. Some are just expressing the sadness that ISIS, who claimed responsibility for the seven attacks that have killed at least 129 people, would target innocent civilians. Others, like Godsmack singer Sully Erna, are doing that in the best way they’re capable of, like he did when the band played Las Vegas on Saturday (14). During the intro to “Serenity,” the vocalist dedicated the song to the victims, stating:
“It doesn’t matter if they’re in another country, we’re all human beings, and these motherfuckers in ISIS, I’ve gotta tell you. I hope at some point they can wipe out that shit and make it a fucking parking lot. I’m tired of this shit. So we’re not gonna stop the show and ask you guys to kind of be quiet for a minute. We’re just gonna do a song that I think kind of represents a moment like this. This is gonna be our version of a prayer. So, for whatever it’s worth, you don’t have to do a whole lot on here; maybe you can sing along with us. But whatever you do, just send out some really positive energy, because I am certain that a lot of people lost their children that night, a lot of people lost their parents that night. And so, it’s our job as humans to just kind of send out some good energy their way, you know what I mean? That’s what we do. We’re all good people. So, Tony [Rombola, guitar], let’s play a song and let’s call this our prayer for the evening, okay?”
The sentiment behind his statement, at least the latter part of it, is commendable, but by starting it off by talking about ISIS like they’re a particular country and suggesting bombing it is misguided. If Erna read up on the military group, he’d know that it’s not one country in particular.The apparent mastermind of the series of attacks is Belgian. Does he want Belgium bombed? While Syria is a big part of the formation of ISIS, it’s an extremely complex issue that wouldn’t be solved by taking out an entire country. ISIS is going to take a long time to dismantle. While bombing a country might take out some of the threats, it would also likely create a hell of a lot more converts to a radical religion after their homeland is bombed and innocent people lose loved ones. While Erna might have been speaking from the gut, he should attempt himself to read about ISIS and its creation, not just call for the annihilation of a country.
