Ex-ICED EARTH Singer STU BLOCK Fires Back At JON SCHAFFER Over ‘Poser’ Comment: ‘True Confidence Doesn’t Require Questioning Someone Else’s Authenticity To Validate Your Own’

Former Iced Earth singer Stu Block has responded to guitarist Jon Schaffer calling his change of stance after the 6 January 2021 US Capitol riot a “poser move”. Block says the label avoids engaging with his views and argues that confidence does not require questioning another person’s authenticity. The exchange highlights the lasting strain between the former bandmates after Schaffer’s role in the riot became public.

Block initially posted a message that appeared to support or welcome the events, then deleted it after criticism and publicly condemned the riot. Schaffer later said Block had reversed course under pressure, while also saying he forgave him, wished him well and had no interest in working or socialising together again. Block left Iced Earth in February 2021, having joined in 2011; Schaffer’s comments were made in a 2025 podcast interview.