Last week, we reported that Lamb of God frontman Randy Blythe was headed to North Dakota to protest the Dakota Access Pipeline. Then over the weekend, we’d read an article or two from protesters stating that some people, particularly non-Native Americans, were treating the protest like it was Burning Man, complete with drum circles, and living off the charity of others. It sounded a bit like it was getting out of control, and we were looking forward to hearing dispatches from Blythe. He didn’t disappoint, and while he’ll be writing about it at length for a national media outlet (we’re thinking probably Rolling Stone, realistically, he sent an update on his Instagram.

Blythe is already back from the protest, which he headed to last Tuesday. While it’s a brief dispatch, much of it is focused towards would-be fellow protesters. He urges those wanting to fight cops and cause chaos to stay home, stating that it’s not about violence and more about praying and peacefully protesting, and that the North Dakota climate isn’t for the faint of heart. It’ll be fascinating to hear his story when it comes out, as Blythe has become one of the better spoken rock stars out there.

 

11.27.2016 “Boots” I have made it back from Standing Rock, safe, sound, & without any injury or arrest- thank you to those who wished me well on my travels. Also thank you to the many people of all different colors I met who greeted me with open arms, & to the fans who treated me with such respect- you are all beautiful people, & it was an honor to stand with you there as one. I did not go to Standing Rock as a journalist, I went as a regular dude, but a large media outlet found out I was there & reached out to me to write a story about my experiences, so that is what I am doing now- more details later- I am just posting this to let y’all know I am ok. I will say this, because it is IMPORTANT- if you are planning on going to Standing Rock to raise hell, fight cops, & cause chaos, PLEASE DO NOT GO. Stay at home and do that in your own community if you must, so that you can see the repercussions of your actions at home & around your own people. The community in North Dakota, both native & non-native, both pro & anti-pipeline, do not need that. I heard nothing but constant instructions to stay non-violent & to remain in prayer while I was amongst the people, both on the frontline & back in the Oceti Sakowin camp. I did not see violence nor did I get wind of violent acts being planned. That is not what it is about, and it will merely cause more pain & confusion in an already very, very tense situation, so don’t go if you have hate in your heart- I had to constantly examine mine to make sure I was acting in a correct, helpful manner. Also, don’t go if you think it’s a leisurely camping holiday- this is not summer camp, it’s North Dakota, the weather there kills, & if you aren’t ready for that, you can die. Period. It’s not a joke. That’s all for now- I have writing to do. Peace & chicken grease- Randy #leica #leicacamera #leicacamerausa #leicam #leicammonochrom #leicamtyp246 #monochrom #summilux #summilux50mm #leicacraft #madeinwetzlar #🔴📷 #MyLeicaJourney #mkexplore #ratseyesphotography ✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿

A photo posted by D. Randall Blythe (@drandallblythe) on Nov 27, 2016 at 12:07pm PST

Bram Teitelman

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