If you’ve got an opinion about anything on the internet, sooner than later you’re going to have someone that disagrees with you. The political season proved that in a big way, and now that we have a new President, it’s not like the rhetoric is slowing down. And while social media is a great equalizer, allowing fans to communicate directly with artists, it has it’s down side. Just ask All That Remains frontman Phil Labonte. He’s always outspoken on social media, especially when it comes to his views towards the second amendment (he’s for it) and many liberal causes (not so much). His libertarian viewpoint is a breath of fresh air, in that it’s unfiltered and even if you don’t agree with what he has to say, straightforward. Maybe to a fault though.
Apparently, Joe Thrashnkill, the editor in chief of fellow metal site Toilet Ov Hell, isn’t an All That Remains fan. Instead of ignoring the band like other non-fans, he trolls the singer. Par for the course so far. However, instead of ignoring a troll like most musicians would, Labonte went on a verbal tirade on Instagram, calling Joe a “fucking faggot.” Hey, it’s Phil’s Instagram account and he can do what he wants with it, but he might have alienated any LGBT fans he might have by using a homophobic slur against a troll, then doubling down by putting it on his Instagram for all to see. However, by engaging trolls, he’s showing that it’s getting to him, and by publicizing it, it’s amplifying that.
It’s not like Labonte is going to walk his comments back. Not to mention, with the new dude in office, anyone that has a problem with Labonte’s slur will probably just be labeled a social justice warrior or a snowflake. But it’s a little odd that the singer would even care about one person that doesn’t like his band. We’re living in interesting times.
All That Remains’ eighth album will be out sometime this year on Razor & Tie.
