Jon Schaffer speaks out in first interview since 2021

Iced Earth founder Jon Schaffer has given his first in-depth interview since being sentenced to probation and community service for his involvement in the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot. Appearing on It Is Later Than You Think, a podcast from Cornerstone Church in Trafalgar, Indiana, Schaffer offered a candid reflection on the events that led to his participation in the riot, his evolving faith journey, and his future in music.

Schaffer, who had previously made statements about his political stance, now emphasized that his actions on January 6 were not motivated by support for Donald Trump but rather by a belief in fighting against what he perceives as “tyranny.” He elaborated on his frustration with the political system, noting that his opposition was not limited to any single party but rather a broader dissatisfaction with the state of the republic. Schaffer acknowledged his actions that day were not his best and admitted he allowed his emotions to get a firm hold of him.

Throughout the interview, Schaffer also delved into the confusion and chaos he witnessed at the Capitol, offering a perspective that he believed the protest was not intended to be violent and that the media may have made some misinterpretations. Schaffer also addressed his past connection with the Oath Keepers, clarifying he had joined the group years ago simply out of a desire for elected officials and military personnel to take their oaths seriously. He expressed confusion about the group’s actions and distanced himself from the narrative that painted him as a significant figure within the organization.

Looking to the future, Schaffer spoke about his music career, revealing that he has a few releases planned but is not in a rush to produce new material.

He explained:

“There’s a few releases that I’ve got up my sleeve that we’re gonna be working on. In terms of new material, I’m gonna give that a little bit of time. I need to know that there’s clear artistic direction and not something that’s manufactured by me. Because I’ve done enough records in my career to know some of ’em were wedged into schedules because tours on either side and you’re kind of forced into a writing mode because of schedule pressures and other commitments. And sometimes working under pressure is really great, and other times you’re going through the motions. And so whatever I would do going forward, I only wanna do something that’s gonna be great. I don’t want anything to be forced. And I want it to glorify God. And I think there’s just so much, from a creative standpoint… There’s actually been some biblical stuff throughout my catalog anyway, but from the eyes of a Christian now, like, man, there’s so much inspiration there that hopefully would have a good effect on people. So I hope that comes back to me. I hope that it’s, like, ‘Okay, it’s time. Activate.’ But I don’t know.

It was just Friday this past week where I got a call that the civil case is dismissed, and really, when you consider the level of stress and pressure and fight or flight and the PTSD and all the things, the financial wrecking, all of the, the things, I think it’s gonna take a little bit of time to come completely out of this. Although I’m cool and calm with what’s happening, and I do view it as a gift and a blessing, it’s still, like, I’m a human living in the world. And I think it’s just gonna take a little bit of time to feel free again. Even if it was all an illusion anyway. With my lifestyle, man, I felt like I was. But when I started waking up, I knew it was all B.S. I could [force creativity], but it’s not gonna be great. I want it to be great… I know the rough spots in the catalog. I know how it works, and if that’s my calling, to be creative again, then I’ll do it. But I don’t know. It’s gotta be something. It’ll move me. I’ll know it, put it that way. It’ll be unstoppable. That’s the way it was before. So it’s, like, ‘Oh, here it comes. I can’t stop it. It’s going.’. But we’ll see. Yeah, it’s not my timeline. I’ve surrendered that.”