Hubbry Logo
Jon SchafferJon SchafferMain
Open search
Jon Schaffer
Community hub
Jon Schaffer
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Jon Schaffer
Jon Schaffer
Jon Schaffer
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Key Information

Jon Ryan Schaffer (/ˈʃeɪfər/ SHAY-fər; born March 15, 1968)[1] is an American heavy metal musician. He is the rhythm guitarist, bandleader and principal songwriter of the Indiana-based heavy metal band Iced Earth, which he formed in 1985 under the name Purgatory. He is also the lead singer in his political side project Sons of Liberty and, until 2021, played guitar for Demons & Wizards, his collaboration with Blind Guardian frontman Hansi Kürsch.

Schaffer pleaded guilty to crimes related to his participation in the January 6 United States Capitol attack in 2021 and was sentenced to three years probation before being pardoned in 2025.

Early life

[edit]

Schaffer was originally introduced to rock music at the age of three.[2][3] His older sister introduced Jon to bands such as Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Alice Cooper, and Blue Öyster Cult.[2] In 1979, at the age of eleven, Schaffer attended a Kiss concert with his father.[2][3] Since then, he has said that this was the moment when he realized what he wanted to do for a living.[2]

Schaffer went to a Lutheran school for five years, during which he developed a lot of anger and rebellion, due to the abusive nature of the pastors. Allegedly, on one occasion, one of the pastors "shoved a bar of soap down Schaffer's throat", because the pastor felt threatened by his refusal to submit, after he could not answer Schaffer's questions about evolution versus creationism. According to Schaffer, this had an effect on him forming a band, so that he could "prove these people wrong".[4]

In 1984, at the age of 16, Schaffer moved to Tampa, Florida.[5] Shortly before he left, one of Schaffer's childhood friends died in a motorcycle accident, which made Schaffer even more determined to move to Florida and start a band.[5] While in Tampa, Schaffer slept in his car. Later he nearly lost his life in a car accident, after which he got an apartment and a job as a roofer.[3]

Career

[edit]

Iced Earth

[edit]
Main article: Iced Earth

In 1984, Schaffer formed a short-lived band called "the Rose".[3] The band quickly broke up, after which Jon formed what would later become Iced Earth under the name "Purgatory" on January 20, 1985.[3][6] Schaffer played rhythm guitar and also designed the band's logo. The logo had originally been used for the Rose, but after the band broke up, Schaffer reused the logo for Purgatory and later for Iced Earth.[3]

In 1990, after some line-up changes, the band, now known as Iced Earth, released their self-titled debut album.[3] In addition to playing rhythm guitar and singing backing vocals, Jon also acted as co-producer on the album,[7] as he has done on all Iced Earth albums since. The following year, the band released the follow-up album, Night of the Stormrider,[8] which also featured Jon singing lead vocals on the song "Stormrider".[8]

Schaffer performing with Iced Earth in 2010

After some downtime between 1992 and 1995, Iced Earth re-emerged with a new line up, which included singer Matt Barlow, who would stay with the band until 2003.[9] The band released the albums Burnt Offerings and The Dark Saga in 1995 and 1996 respectively, until in 1998, Iced Earth released the album Something Wicked This Way Comes, which featured three songs ("Prophecy", "Birth of the Wicked" and "The Coming Curse") that were based on Jon Schaffer's Something Wicked concept.[10] The songs tell the story of a character that Jon created, called Set Abominae, who also appears on the album's front cover.[11]

After Something Wicked This Way Comes, Iced Earth released the album Horror Show in 2001,[12] after which work began on the follow-up album, The Glorious Burden. Originally Matt Barlow had recorded the vocal tracks for the album, but due to his lack of interest in the band following the events of 9/11, he left the group in 2003 and joined the Georgetown Police Department in Georgetown, Delaware.[9] Matt was replaced by former Judas Priest-singer Tim "Ripper" Owens, who resung the entire album.[13] The Glorious Burden was released in January 2004, after which Jon started work on two concept albums based on his Something Wicked storyline. The first album, Framing Armageddon: Something Wicked Part 1 was released on September 11, 2007, after which, in December 2007, it was announced that Matt Barlow would be returning to Iced Earth.[14] The second album, The Crucible of Man: Something Wicked Part 2, was released September 5, 2008, and featured Matt once again on vocals.

In 2011, after about two years back in the band, Matt Barlow issued a statement saying that he was leaving Iced Earth in order to spend more time with his family.[15] Matt Barlow was later replaced by Stu Block from Into Eternity, who had opened for Iced Earth in 2008.[16] With Block, the band recorded the album Dystopia, which was released on October 17, 2011. From October 2011, to December 2012, Iced Earth toured in support of Dystopia, during which time they recorded the album Live in Ancient Kourion.

Demons & Wizards

[edit]
Main article: Demons & Wizards (band)

Demons & Wizards was a side project Schaffer put together with Blind Guardian frontman Hansi Kürsch. Schaffer and Hansi had originally met in the early 1990s, when Iced Earth and Blind Guardian toured together.[17] Demons & Wizards released their self-titled debut album in 2000.[18] Besides Jon and Hansi, the album also featured Mark Prator on drums and Jim Morris on lead guitar.[18] The group's second album, Touched by the Crimson King was released in 2005, and featured a number of guest musicians, including Bobby Jarzombek, Jim Morris, Rubin Drake, Howard Helm, Kathy Helm, Tori Fuson, Jesse Morris and Krystyna Kolaczynski.[18]

Schaffer performing in 2012

In a video update in 2011, Schaffer and Kürsch talked about the future of Demons & Wizards and stated, that it was only a matter of their schedules lining up when they are going to start work on a third album. III was subsequently released in 2020.[19]

In 2021, following Schaffer's involvement in the storming of the U.S. Capitol, Kürsch announced he was leaving the band.[20]

Sons of Liberty

[edit]

Sons of Liberty is a political side project Schaffer formed in 2009. Sons of Liberty's debut album, Brush-fires of the Mind, was released in December 2009 as a free download on the band's website (the album was later made available on CD and vinyl as well). Schaffer sang, played guitar and programmed the drums, but the album also featured a number of guests, including Jim Morris, Ruben Drake, Troy Seele, Howard Helm and Jeff Brandt. During the supporting tour, Jon Schaffer was backed up by Seele, Freddie Vidales and Brent Smedley.[21]

In December 2011, Sons of Liberty released the EP Spirit of the Times.[22] Once again, the album featured Schaffer singing, playing guitar and programming the drums, as well as Jim Morris and Ruben Drake.[22]

Other work

[edit]

Schaffer used to own a store called the "Spirit of '76".[23] He also participated in the film Silver Circle.[24] In 2012, Schaffer was featured as a guest vocalist on Anarchadia's album Let Us All Unite, performing on the track "True World Order".[25] Schaffer has also expressed interest in doing comic book series based on the Night of the Stormrider album and the Something Wicked Saga.[23]

Participation in the January 6 United States Capitol attack

[edit]

On January 6, 2021, Schaffer, a founding lifetime member of the far-right Oath Keepers militia,[26] was photographed among those who stormed the U.S. Capitol building.[27][28] After appearing on the Most Wanted section of the FBI's website,[29][30] he turned himself in on January 17 and was held on six felony charges.[31][32] At a November 2020 Washington, D.C. Trump rally, Schaffer told German daily newspaper Die Welt,

"My name is Jon Schaffer. I'm from Indiana. A group of thugs and criminals hijacked this country a long time ago. Now they're making their big move, and it's not gonna happen. And that's what it is. These are globalists. These are the scum of the earth. These are the criminals that are behind all the fraudulent fee on currency, they're behind all the wars, they're behind all the shit, they're behind divide-and-conquer tactics, behind the racial divide. It's all nonsense, it's all garbage. People need to wake up and snap out of the matrix, because they're going down. They've made the move. They're messing with the wrong people here — trust me on that. And we needed it to be open like this — open fraud, open theft. Because now we see you, and you're going down. Mark my words".

"I think this goes beyond President Trump," Jon continued. "President Trump is a populist. He's not your typical Republican. He's not establishment. He's not going out starting wars all over the place, like they do. Which is funny — where are all the Democrats that were anti-war?"[33]

On April 16, 2021, Schaffer agreed to plead guilty to two charges: obstructing an official proceeding of Congress and trespassing on restricted grounds of the Capitol while armed with a dangerous weapon. He was the first participant in the storming to plead guilty.[34] Prosecutors agreed to a recommendation of between 3.5 and 4.5 years in prison, depending on his cooperation in prosecuting other rioters.[35] He would also be granted sponsorship for the United States Federal Witness Protection Program.[36][37]

According to Schaffer's attorney, while Schaffer was held at an Indiana jail, other inmates made death threats against him, and threw feces at him. He was subsequently transferred to a jail in Washington, D.C.[38] In October 2024, Schaffer was sentenced to three years of probation, 120 hours of community service and $1,200 in restitution and fines. Schaffer issued a statement saying "I profoundly regret my actions on January 6th, 2021", adding "I’m not excusing my impulsive behavior. I was wrong, and I take ownership of my actions. I own the fact that I made a huge mistake, and I wish I never would have gone there. In fact, the consequences have been devastating of my life, family, friends, business, colleagues and business partners."[39]

On January 20, 2025, the day President Donald Trump took office for his second term, Schaffer, among many others was given a Presidential Pardon.[40]

Personal life

[edit]

In 1996, while performing in Berlin, Schaffer injured his neck, for which he had surgery in 2000.[41] In the early 2000s, he had surgery again, this time for lower-back problems.[41] In 2005, Schaffer's daughter was born,[42] whom he credits for giving him "perspective", that he "never had before".[43]

Besides playing music, Schaffer enjoys studying history and current events, as well as "standing against, and exposing, tyranny".[44] He also enjoys riding motorcycles, scuba diving, white water rafting and exercising.[44] Schaffer has listed Tom Schaffer, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Samuel Adams, Patrick Henry, Stephen Toboz, Steve Harris, Ronnie James Dio, Hansi Kürsch, Aaron Russo, G. Edward Griffin and Ron Paul as people who inspire him.[44]

In a 2009 interview with InfoWars founder Alex Jones discussing their mutual political views, Schaffer revealed that "My father was a John Birch guy. When I was a young child I remember things that he and his friends would talk about, concerning the UN and stuff".[45]

In a 2025 interview detailing his involvement with the January 6 United States Capitol attack, Schaffer discussed how he became a Christian. This was a gradual process of studying the Bible and talking to other inmates while he was incarcerated who had accepted Jesus Christ. He eventually received baptism at a church in Florida.[46][47]

Discography

[edit]

With Iced Earth

[edit]
Main article: Iced Earth discography

With Demons & Wizards

[edit]

With Sons of Liberty

[edit]

With Jon Schaffer's Purgatory

[edit]
  • 2018: Purgatory (EP)

With Schaffer/Barlow Project

[edit]
  • 2020: Winter Nights (EP)

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Jon Schaffer

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Jon Ryan Schaffer (born March 15, 1968) is an American heavy metal musician and political activist, recognized as the founder, rhythm guitarist, and principal songwriter of the band . Schaffer established the group in 1984 under the name in , renaming it in 1990, with the band relocating to and releasing its self-titled debut album that year. Over three decades, produced eleven studio albums, blending with thrash and epic themes drawn from history, fantasy, and horror, establishing Schaffer as a prolific figure in the genre through his consistent songwriting and leadership amid frequent lineup changes. Schaffer also collaborated on side projects, including the supergroup Demons & Wizards with Blind Guardian's , further extending his influence in heavy metal circles. Schaffer's political engagement, rooted in Second Amendment advocacy and militia affiliations, culminated in his prominent role during the January 6, 2021, events at the U.S. Capitol, where he was among the first to enter the building wearing tactical gear and carrying bear spray. As a member of the Oath Keepers militia group, he pleaded guilty in April 2021 to felony charges of obstructing an official proceeding and entering a restricted federal building with a dangerous weapon, becoming the first defendant in related cases to do so and agreeing to cooperate with federal investigators. After 89 days of pretrial detention, Schaffer was released on bond in April 2021; in October 2024, he received a sentence of three years' probation, 120 hours of community service, and $1,000 in restitution, avoiding further incarceration.

Early Life and Influences

Childhood and Musical Beginnings

Jon Schaffer was born on March 15, 1968, in Franklin, Indiana, and raised in a working-class family in northeast Indiana during the early 1970s. Growing up in a humble, blue-collar environment, he was exposed to hard rock and heavy metal at a young age through his older sister, who played records by bands such as Black Sabbath, fostering an early affinity for the genre by age four. A pivotal moment came in 1979, at age 11, when Schaffer attended a concert with his father, an event that sparked his determination to create music and solidified his influences from acts like , , , and . These early encounters, combined with later discoveries of albums by and in the early 1980s, shaped his musical tastes amid the rising New Wave of British Heavy Metal. Schaffer began playing guitar around age 14, during his high school freshman year, after receiving the instrument as a Christmas gift from his father; he was entirely self-taught, honing his skills through dedicated practice. Balancing this pursuit with economic necessities, he held various day jobs for over a decade while prioritizing guitar practice, reflecting the practical challenges of aspiring musicians from modest backgrounds in the pre-internet era. This period emphasized his strong and commitment to original songwriting over covers.

Formative Experiences

Schaffer's formative non-musical influences centered on an early immersion in historical study, which he described as beginning "since I was old enough to read." This self-directed engagement fostered a lifelong passion for American military and revolutionary history, particularly the events and ideas surrounding the nation's founding. He has repeatedly linked this pursuit to a commitment to principles of individual liberty and limited government, viewing them as rooted in the actions of figures like the Sons of Liberty during the American Revolution. These intellectual pursuits, independent of his musical development, equipped Schaffer with a framework for analyzing tyranny and , as evidenced by his consistent references to historical patterns in interviews spanning decades. Youth experiences questioning institutional , including encounters with religious educators, further reinforced his toward centralized power structures.

Musical Career

Founding and Development of Iced Earth

Jon Schaffer established the band in 1984 under the name The Rose before renaming it the following year, reflecting his early vision for a heavy metal outfit rooted in his guitar-driven compositions. In 1988, facing conflicts with another group using the Purgatory name, Schaffer rebranded the project as to pursue a distinct identity aligned with themes of endurance and elemental force. This change coincided with the release of the Enter the demo, which showcased Schaffer's riff-heavy songwriting and secured a with . The band's self-titled debut album, , emerged in November 1990 in Europe and February 1991 in , produced by Schaffer alongside Tom Morris at Morrisound Recording and emphasizing raw thrash-influenced with Schaffer's intricate guitar arrangements as the core. Schaffer maintained firm control as rhythm guitarist, primary songwriter, and de facto leader, dictating the band's direction through persistent lineup adjustments—such as vocalist changes from Gene Fischer to John Greely—while handling much of the production to preserve his artistic integrity. The follow-up, Night of the Stormrider in October 1991, marked the first full under Schaffer's guidance, exploring epic narratives with enhanced orchestration and thematic depth, solidifying Iced Earth's niche in the burgeoning scene. By the mid-1990s, Iced Earth's development accelerated with Burnt Offerings in 1995, introducing vocalist Matthew Barlow and delving into horror-tinged epics, as Schaffer refined his multi-layered song structures and production techniques to balance aggression and melody. The pivotal , released on July 23, 1996, represented a commercial and creative peak, structured as a inspired by Todd McFarlane's Spawn comics, with Schaffer crafting lyrics and music around themes of redemption and hellish pacts; it featured Barlow's soaring vocals, new drummer Mark Prator, and was the final recording with bassist Dave Abell before further evolutions. Throughout this period, Schaffer's unwavering leadership—insisting on self-produced authenticity and rejecting mainstream compromises—drove the band's evolution from underground demos to label-backed releases, amassing a dedicated following despite frequent member turnover.

Collaborations and Side Projects

In 2020, Schaffer reunited with former vocalist for the Schaffer/Barlow Project, a short-lived endeavor focused on reinterpreting Christmas carols and select tracks. The project marked their first collaboration since Barlow's departure from in 2008, funded via a campaign launched on August 17, 2020. Their sole release, the album Winter Nights, featured five traditional holiday songs such as "Silent Night" and "We Three Kings," alongside re-recorded versions of compositions like "Watching Over Me" and "I Died for You," released in late 2020. Schaffer handled guitar and production duties, with the project dissolving thereafter. Prior to founding , Schaffer co-formed the thrash-influenced band in the mid-, releasing early demos that captured the raw energy of Tampa's local metal scene. In , following the death of original Richard Bateman, Schaffer revived the project with vocalist Gene Adam and Bill Owen to honor its legacy, releasing a self-titled EP on December 21 comprising five remastered and newly produced tracks from the band's formative period, including "In Your Dreams" and "The Edge." Schaffer contributed guitars, production, and mixing, emphasizing a polished yet authentic sound without modern embellishments. The EP served as a nostalgic archival effort rather than an ongoing band revival. Schaffer's production involvement extends to guest and advisory roles beyond his core projects, including co-production credits on early Iced Earth precursors and occasional session contributions, though specific external band productions remain limited in documentation. He has made sporadic guest guitar appearances on metal recordings, such as contributing riffs to select tracks for affiliated artists in the power and thrash genres, underscoring his influence within niche heavy metal circles.

Demons & Wizards

Demons & Wizards was formed in 1997 as a collaborative power metal project between Iced Earth guitarist Jon Schaffer and Blind Guardian vocalist Hansi Kürsch, with the duo serving as the creative core. The band's name originated from an initial suggestion of "Demons and Angels" by Schaffer's wife, which evolved to reflect the contrasting styles of the members—Schaffer's heavier, riff-driven approach and Kürsch's melodic, operatic vocals—ultimately settling on "Demons & Wizards" to emphasize their dynamic. Session musicians, including drummer Mark Prator and bassist Jim Morris, supported the recordings, allowing Schaffer and Kürsch to focus on songwriting without a fixed touring lineup initially. The self-titled debut album, Demons & Wizards, was released on February 28, 2000, via SPV/Steamhammer, featuring 11 tracks blending progressive and elements with intricate guitar work and soaring choruses. Unlike Schaffer's predominant focus on historical and mythological narratives in , the lyrics here leaned toward fantasy and philosophical themes, such as existential struggles in "My Ratte" and epic quests in "Fiddler on the Green," drawing from Kürsch's affinity for Tolkien-inspired lore while incorporating Schaffer's rhythmic precision. The album received positive reception for its hybrid sound, peaking at No. 21 on the Japanese charts and earning praise for production quality from Tommy Hansen at Hansen Studio. The follow-up, Touched by the Crimson King, arrived on January 28, 2005, also via SPV, with themes explicitly inspired by Stephen King's The Dark Tower series, marking a deeper dive into speculative fiction and apocalyptic motifs like interdimensional travel in "Crimson King" and "Terror Train." This release further highlighted the project's departure from Schaffer's typical historical epics, prioritizing narrative-driven fantasy over real-world events, though retaining his signature neoclassical guitar solos. After a 15-year hiatus, the third album, III, was issued on February 21, 2020, via Nuclear Blast, comprising nine tracks that revisited philosophical undertones amid fantasy elements, such as fate and redemption in "III: Revolution." The band performed sporadically, including a notable set at in 2019, but disbanded in early 2021 following the completion of their discography, with Schaffer and Kürsch citing the project's fulfillment as a creative outlet rather than a primary commitment. Throughout its run, Demons & Wizards maintained a for bridging the gaps between its founders' bands, emphasizing thematic versatility over rigid genre constraints.

Sons of Liberty

Sons of Liberty is a solo musical project initiated by Jon Schaffer in 2009 as an outlet for thematic heavy metal distinct from his work with . The project draws on conventions, characterized by aggressive guitar riffs, melodic structures, and rhythmic drive reminiscent of Schaffer's broader , with an emphasis on passages evoking resolve and historical gravitas. Schaffer composed, performed, and produced the material primarily himself, handling guitars, vocals, bass, and drum programming to maintain a raw, unpolished edge suited to the project's independent ethos. The debut full-length album, Brush-Fires of the Mind, was released digitally as a free download via the project's website on December 18, , before receiving a limited physical edition in 2010. Spanning nine tracks with a total runtime of approximately 45 minutes, it opens with the extended instrumental "" (7:19) and includes songs like "" (5:08), "False Flag" (4:50), "Our Dying Republic" (3:48), "" (4:42), "Tree of Liberty" (4:43), "Uprising" (5:00), "The Awakening" (5:00), and closes with "Feeling Helpless" (5:20). The album's style integrates mid-tempo grooves and soaring leads, prioritizing thematic cohesion through repetitive motifs that underscore motifs of defiance, akin to epic narratives. In 2011, Schaffer followed with the EP Spirit of the Times, a shorter release comprising four tracks available in digital formats including , , and AAC at 320 kbps. This outing maintained the power metal framework but leaned into more concise song structures, with instrumentation highlighting Schaffer's signature riffing and layered production to evoke urgency and introspection. The project's output has remained sporadic, focusing on self-released digital distributions to reach dedicated listeners without mainstream promotion.

Other Musical Endeavors

In addition to his primary band and established collaborations, Schaffer formed the Schaffer/Barlow Project in 2020 with former vocalist , releasing the album Winter Nights: A Tribute to the . The record features heavy metal reinterpretations of five carols—such as "," "," and ""—alongside two songs adapted for the holiday theme, "Watching Over Me" and "I Died for You." Schaffer handled guitar, vocals, and production, marking the duo's first joint effort since Barlow's departure from in 2008. Schaffer has made select guest appearances on other artists' recordings. In , he contributed guest vocals to the track "True World Order" on Let Us All Unite, the debut album by Syrian band Anarchadia, performing alongside the band's lead singer to emphasize themes of global resistance. Throughout his career, Schaffer has expressed a strong preference for Gibson guitars to achieve his signature rhythm tone, favoring models for their sustain and midrange bite, while also incorporating Explorers, SGs, and semi-hollow 335s when suited to the material. He relies on D'Addario strings for consistent playability and favors triangle-shaped picks to enhance attack and precision in down-picked riffs. Schaffer has occasionally used custom builds, such as those from David Thomas, to refine his setup without chasing trends.

Political Views and Activism

Philosophical Foundations

Schaffer's core philosophical beliefs center on the primacy of individual liberty, property rights, and as derived from the natural rights outlined in the U.S. and . He regards these as basic, axiomatic principles essential for human flourishing, arguing that the American republic was founded to demonstrate their superiority over coercive systems, enabling voluntary cooperation and prosperity without centralized control. This reasoning posits that deviations from such foundations lead inevitably to tyranny, as historical patterns of power consolidation undermine personal and . These convictions were profoundly influenced by his family background, particularly his father's affiliation with the , a group formed in 1958 to expose and resist communist infiltration while defending constitutional limits on government. Schaffer has described how this exposure during his youth instilled a vigilance against collectivist ideologies, framing liberty not as an abstract ideal but as a practical bulwark requiring constant defense through rational adherence to founding tenets. The Society's emphasis on individual sovereignty over state expansion resonated with Schaffer's view that true order emerges from decentralized responsibility rather than imposed uniformity. In applying these principles, Schaffer prioritizes empirical assessment of outcomes, critiquing modern expansions of as erosions of the self-reliant that built the nation, while advocating a return to libertarian-constitutional frameworks for sustaining .

Public Expressions of Ideology

Schaffer has expressed his ideological positions through s with metal media outlets, consistently identifying as a constitutional conservative and libertarian who prioritizes individual and toward centralized . In a , he stated, "I have voted Republican and independent in the past because I’ve always been a constitutional conservative," while rejecting both major U.S. as "evil," declaring, "I used to be in the mindset that one party was the lesser of two evils. Now, I vote no more evil." He aligned core Tea Party principles with "a Libertarian/Constitutional view of how the country should be running," though he criticized Republicans for attempting to "hijack the movement." In later discussions, Schaffer elaborated on his aversion to government overreach, describing himself in 2018 as "very much a libertarian type" who believes in " and personal responsibility—pretty much the stuff our founders stood for." He opposed , affirming, "I'm not a fan of at all, because I'm very much a First Amendment guy," and emphasized loyalty to the U.S. Constitution and over partisan allegiance, stating, "I'm an American first—that's where I was born, that's my country." By 2019, he positioned his views further, claiming, "I'm about as close to an anarchist as you can be. I'm not a fan of ," while rejecting both extreme left and right ideologies and advocating individual as a preferable alternative to " abuse and monopoly." Schaffer indicated no reluctance to publicize these stances, noting he would not "live in fear" of alienating audiences and viewing such critics as undesirable fans. Schaffer channeled his ideology into the project, initiated in 2009 as a platform to revive principles of the historical American activist group, which included figures like and focused on resistance to perceived tyranny. He described the endeavor's aim as informing audiences worldwide about threats to , stating, "This is a worldwide issue and I think it’s crucial that everyone that desires liberty get informed about what is happening," with the original Sons of Liberty principles "definitely alive" in the work. The project's accompanying website and materials promoted political awareness, positioning it as a resource against deception and for constitutional fidelity, though its influence remained confined to niche ideological dissemination rather than broader activism.

Criticisms and Defenses

Schaffer's public expressions of libertarian-leaning ideology, including opposition to government authority and advocacy for individual liberty rooted in the U.S. and , have drawn criticism for promoting fringe or perspectives. Detractors, including metal music commentators, argue that his self-identification as "about as close to an anarchist as you can be" while professing loyalty to constitutional frameworks reveals a contradictory and selective understanding of , amounting to " for me and not for thee" rather than genuine rejection of hierarchical power structures. His project, which thematizes revolutionary-era activism against perceived tyranny through lyrics and associated commentary, has been faulted for obsessing over conspiracy theories and aligning with anti-government groups like the , thereby normalizing divisive, sedition-adjacent rhetoric in heavy metal circles that alienates broader audiences and echoes unchecked echo chambers distrustful of mainstream institutions. In defense, Schaffer and supporters frame his positions as principled realism grounded in historical precedents of and personal responsibility, rejecting both major U.S. as "shallow" and "divisive" in favor of "ultimate " and fidelity to foundational American documents over modern bureaucratic overreach. He has emphasized anti-censorship stances, drawing from experiences like lyric scrutiny in authoritarian contexts, as emblematic of eroding First Amendment protections and a drift from the framers' emphasis on liberty, positioning his activism not as partisan but as a non-affiliated call to restore constitutional balance against institutional . Proponents within libertarian-constitutionalist communities view such critiques as overreactions from ideologically skewed sources, likening Schaffer's warnings on power consolidation to justified revolutionary ethos rather than aberration, arguing that empirical instances of regulatory excess validate prioritizing individual over collective mandates.

Involvement in January 6, 2021, Capitol Events

Background and Participation

Jon Schaffer, a resident of Columbus, Indiana, traveled to Washington, D.C., on January 6, 2021, to participate in events protesting the certification of the 2020 presidential election results, including the rally at the Ellipse and the subsequent march to the U.S. Capitol. As a lifetime member of the Oath Keepers, he positioned himself among the crowd confronting barriers near the building, where unrest escalated following the rally speeches. Schaffer was among the initial group to breach the Capitol's perimeter and enter the structure through a damaged entrance shortly after 2:00 p.m., wearing a tactical vest and carrying a can of bear spray. He spent less than 10 minutes inside, moving through interior hallways and spaces while taking photographs, before exiting without engaging in physical violence, assaults on personnel, or property destruction, as corroborated by prosecutorial review of video evidence and his own account in court proceedings. Schaffer surrendered to authorities and was arrested on January 17, 2021, in , , following his identification by the FBI as a participant in the Capitol breach and inclusion on its Capitol Violence ". He was initially charged in a federal criminal complaint with six counts, including misdemeanors such as entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds (18 U.S.C. § 1752(a)(1)) and disorderly or disruptive conduct in a restricted building (18 U.S.C. § 1752(a)(2)), as well as felonies like (18 U.S.C. § 231(a)(3)) and interference with during a (18 U.S.C. § 231(a)(4)). The complaint alleged he entered the Capitol armed with , positioned himself aggressively toward U.S. Capitol Police officers inside the building, and contributed to obstructing the certification of the electoral vote. On April 16, 2021—exactly 100 days after the incident—Schaffer entered a guilty plea in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to a superseding criminal information charging two felony offenses: obstruction of an official proceeding (18 U.S.C. § 1512(c)(2)) and entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds with a deadly or dangerous weapon (18 U.S.C. § 1752(a)(1) and (b)(1)(A)). He was the first January 6 defendant to plead guilty in federal court, admitting under oath that he wore a tactical vest, carried bear spray, and was among the first six individuals to breach the Capitol through a Senate Wing Door window around 2:40 p.m., remaining inside for approximately 10 minutes while impeding access to areas where Congress was certifying the vote. The agreement included Schaffer's commitment to cooperate fully with ongoing federal investigations into the Capitol events, providing substantial assistance to prosecutors that could influence sentencing considerations under U.S. Sentencing Guidelines § 5K1.1 for downward departures. Each count carried potential penalties of up to 20 years in , though the agreement resolved the initial six charges in exchange for the guilty to these two.

Sentencing, Pardon, and Personal Reflections

On October 25, 2024, United States District Judge Amit Mehta sentenced Jon Schaffer to three years of probation, 120 hours of community service, $1,000 in restitution to the United States government, and a $500 fine, with no period of incarceration imposed. This outcome followed Schaffer's guilty plea on March 24, 2021, to felony charges of obstruction of an official proceeding and entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds with a deadly or dangerous weapon, for which federal sentencing guidelines had recommended 41 to 51 months in prison. On January 20, 2025, the first day of his second presidential term, issued a full to Schaffer as part of a broader clemency action encompassing over 1,500 individuals charged in connection with the , 2021, events at the U.S. Capitol. Schaffer publicly expressed lasting gratitude toward Trump for the pardon, stating it represented a significant act of mercy amid what he and supporters viewed as of non-violent participants. In a statement released immediately after his sentencing, Schaffer articulated profound regret for his participation, declaring, "I profoundly regret my actions on January 6th, 2021... I was wrong, and I take ownership of my actions. I own the fact that I made a huge mistake, and I wish I never would have gone there." He contextualized this remorse by describing conditions in the jail as subhuman and politically engineered to punish dissenters, while later reflecting that the experience prompted a spiritual awakening, including his , which he described as an unforeseen blessing leading to personal redemption.

Impact on Career and Legacy

Professional Repercussions

Following his identification and arrest on January 8, 2021, for participation in the U.S. Capitol breach, experienced significant internal fracturing as multiple band members publicly distanced themselves from Schaffer. Vocalist and drummer Brent Smedley announced their departures from the band on February 15, 2021, stating they could not condone Schaffer's actions during the events of January 6. Bassist Luke Appleton and keyboardist had already exited prior to the announcements but similarly cited the Capitol incident as a factor in their decisions to sever ties. The band's scheduled European tour dates in December 2021 were promptly canceled amid the backlash, with promoters citing Schaffer's legal troubles and the resulting reputational damage as the reason. This led to the effective dissolution of Iced Earth's active lineup, leaving Schaffer as the sole remaining member and halting all group performances and recordings in the immediate aftermath. Tensions with former collaborators persisted, exemplified by Schaffer's 2025 characterization of Block as a "total poser" for initially supporting the band post-arrest before publicly criticizing Schaffer's involvement in the riot. Block, in turn, expressed in interviews that he felt compelled to distance himself to preserve his own professional standing, highlighting the strain on prior musical partnerships.

Recent Developments and Future Prospects

Following his sentencing on October 25, 2024, where Schaffer avoided additional prison time through a plea agreement that credited prior detention toward a three-year term, he received a presidential pardon in early 2025, enabling a return to public life. In subsequent interviews, Schaffer expressed focus on personal recovery before resuming professional activities, noting the band's effective dissolution after his 2021 arrest led to the departure of remaining members. In a September 22, 2025, interview, Schaffer revealed receiving "great financial offers" from promoters and labels to revive , including potential tours and recordings, but declined, stating "the time is not right now" due to ongoing personal and reputational considerations. He emphasized prioritizing selective collaborations over immediate full-band reformation, citing the need for alignment among former members amid past tensions, such as public disputes with ex-vocalist . No new releases or live performances occurred in 2024 or 2025, with Schaffer's activities limited to sporadic interviews and side projects like . Prospects for Schaffer's hinge on rebuilding audience trust, though measurable fan metrics remain unavailable; anecdotal reports suggest polarized reception, with some loyal supporters advocating for a comeback while industry persists in certain venues and festivals. Schaffer indicated in April discussions potential for future music under new branding or limited releases, but no firm timelines were announced, reflecting a cautious approach to avoid further professional isolation.

Personal Life

Family and Private Interests

Schaffer has kept details of his family life largely private, with few verifiable public disclosures about his immediate relatives beyond a general emphasis on to a close circle of and friends. His , Tom Schaffer, passed away prior to 2010. Among his private interests, Schaffer has expressed a passion for studying history and analyzing current events. For recreation, he pursues outdoor and physical activities including motorcycle riding, , white water rafting, and exercise.

Religious Transformation

Schaffer, who was raised Christian and attended a religious as a before drifting from , experienced a renewed commitment to during the period of his and legal proceedings in 2021 and 2022. This spiritual awakening was influenced by interactions with devout fellow inmates during his brief incarceration, where he observed their amid adversity, prompting deeper reflection on his own beliefs. In interviews following his sentencing on October 27, 2022, Schaffer described the ordeal as accelerating a preexisting spiritual journey, leading to a personal relationship with Christ centered on , redemption, and the conviction that " is the only way." He has since expressed intentions that any future musical endeavors would prioritize glorifying , reflecting themes of personal growth and divine purpose over prior secular influences.

References

  1. https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/jon-schaffer.html
  2. https://metal.fandom.com/wiki/Jon_Schaffer
  3. https://rateyourmusic.com/artist/jon_schaffer
  4. http://www.poprockbands.com/iced-earth/biography/pri.html
  5. https://www.facebook.com/groups/mfofm/posts/1488812538398492/
  6. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/schaffer-mn0000823158
  7. https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/lifetime-founding-member-oath-keepers-pleads-guilty-breaching-capitol-jan-6-obstruct
  8. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/federal-prosecutors-secure-first-guilty-plea-cases-stemming-jan-6-n1264300
  9. https://www.npr.org/2021/04/16/988120319/justice-department-secures-1st-guilty-plea-of-capitol-riot-investigation
  10. https://edition.cnn.com/2021/04/16/politics/oath-keepers-capitol-guilty-plea-schaffer
  11. https://metalinjection.net/news/watch-iced-earths-jon-schaffer-out-on-bail-after-89-days-in-jail-for-capitol-riot-involvement
  12. https://blabbermouth.net/news/iced-earths-jon-schaffer-sentenced-to-three-years-probation
  13. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/jon-schaffer-jan-6-iced-earth-sentenced-1234701957/
  14. https://www.wdrb.com/news/indiana-resident-and-iced-earth-guitarist-arrested-for-alleged-role-in-us-capitol-riot/article_78528162-599c-11eb-9248-0b56f54d9eab.html
  15. http://icedearth.com/band/
  16. http://www.masqueradeatlanta.com/attraction/iced-earth/
  17. https://blabbermouth.net/news/jon-schaffer-on-iced-earths-fans-theyre-up-there-with-the-loyalty-of-maiden-and-kiss-fans
  18. https://blabbermouth.net/news/iced-earths-jon-schaffer-the-reason-i-do-this-is-kiss
  19. http://www.metalunderground.com/interviews/details.cfm?newsid=38730
  20. http://icedearth.com/jon-schaffer/
  21. https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/iced_earths_schaffer_i_used_to_have_day_jobs_over_10_years_after_iced_earth_was_founded.html
  22. http://bloodygoodhorror.com/bgh/interviews/07/12/2012/keeping-the-fire-of-iced-earth-strong-words-with-jon-schaffer
  23. https://www.tcdailyplanet.net/jon-schaffer-iced-earth-interview/
  24. https://www.metalpaths.com/interviews/2011/12/26/iced-earth-jon-schaffer/
  25. https://blabbermouth.net/news/iced-earths-jon-schaffer-im-about-as-close-to-an-anarchist-as-you-can-be
  26. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hnc46QF6rr8
  27. https://www.discogs.com/artist/261489-Iced-Earth
  28. https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Iced_Earth/4
  29. https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Iced_Earth/Iced_Earth/177
  30. https://bravewords.com/news/jon-schaffer-on-being-iced-earth-s-leader-it-s-about-staying-true-to-my-art-and-whatever-the-consquences-of-that-are-video/
  31. https://icedearth.com/albums/the-dark-saga/
  32. https://www.maximummetal.com/interviews/intresults.asp?ID=jonschaffer_icedearth&idBand=165
  33. https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Schaffer_-_Barlow_Project/3540486814
  34. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/icedearth/schaffer-barlow-project
  35. https://music.apple.com/us/artist/schaffer-barlow-project/1535441126
  36. https://www.angrymetalguy.com/schaffer-barlow-project-winter-nights-review/
  37. https://www.headbangerslifestyle.com/music/reviews/jon-schaffers-purgatory-purgatory/
  38. https://metalwani.com/2018/12/review-jon-schaffers-purgatory-purgatory-ep.html
  39. https://distortedsoundmag.com/ep-review-purgatory-jon-schaffers-purgatory/
  40. https://www.facebook.com/OfficialIcedEarth/posts/jon-schaffers-purgatory-pre-iced-earth-to-release-five-track-ep-in-december-firs/2003690519692564/
  41. https://www.discogs.com/artist/4168935-Purgatory-11
  42. https://www.discogs.com/artist/261490-Jon-Schaffer
  43. https://www.metal-archives.com/artists/Jon_Schaffer/549
  44. https://www.spirit-of-metal.com/en/band/Demons_And_Wizards
  45. https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Music/DemonsAndWizards
  46. https://metal.academy/releases/8405
  47. https://aminoapps.com/c/metal/page/blog/demons-and-wizards-discography-an-overview/bNzC_ou05bLLL1kGLgwZxzRborYQlQD
  48. https://darktower.fandom.com/wiki/Demons_%2526_Wizards
  49. https://loudwire.com/demons-wizards-which-books-are-the-most-metal/
  50. https://www.musicwaves.org/mobile.frmArticle.aspx?ID=2537&REF=DEMONS--WIZARDS-17-JANVIER-
  51. https://bravewords.com/news/jon-schaffer-talks-relationship-with-hansi-kursch-and-demons-wizards-wacken-open-air-appearance-in-2019-it-was-fantastic-slayer-went-on-after-us-and-about-70-of-the-crowd-lef/
  52. https://distortedsoundmag.com/demons-wizards-by-demons-be-driven/
  53. https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Sons_of_Liberty/3540310715
  54. https://rateyourmusic.com/artist/sons-of-liberty
  55. http://www.metalmusicarchives.com/artist/sons-of-liberty
  56. https://www.discogs.com/release/5811987-Sons-Of-Liberty-Brush-Fires-Of-The-Mind
  57. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/sons-of-liberty/brush-fires-of-the-mind/
  58. https://www.discogs.com/artist/1900995-Sons-Of-Liberty-3
  59. https://blabbermouth.net/news/anarchadia-behind-the-scenes-footage-from-let-us-all-unite-recording-sessions
  60. https://blabbermouth.net/news/gear-talk-with-iced-earth-s-schaffer-i-m-a-gear-head-but-not-a-gear-whore
  61. https://loudwire.com/iced-earths-jon-schaffer-gives-a-backstage-look-at-his-gear/
  62. https://themusic.com.au/features/iced-earth-jon-schaffer/vAGkrtHQ09I/03-04-12
  63. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyaN77mqkD4
  64. https://sleazeroxx.com/interviews/jon-schaffer-interview/
  65. https://tcdailyplanet.net/jon-schaffer-iced-earth-interview/
  66. https://blabbermouth.net/news/iced-earths-jon-schaffer-im-not-a-fan-of-censorship-at-all
  67. https://www.teethofthedivine.com/reviews/sons-of-liberty-brush-fires-of-the-mind/
  68. https://toiletovhell.com/iced-earths-jon-schaffer-has-no-idea-what-an-anarchist-is/
  69. https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/extremist-files/group/oath-keepers
  70. https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/iced_earth_guitarist_jon_schaffer_im_not_a_fan_of_censorship_im_a_freedom_guy_im_very_much_a_libertarian_type_im_an_american_first.html
  71. https://www.themetalpigeon.com/2021/01/11/jon-schaffers-dark-saga/
  72. https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/lifetime-founding-member-oath-keepers-pleads-guilty-breaching-capitol-jan-6-obstruct
  73. https://www.therepublic.com/2024/10/25/schaffer-avoids-jail-time-over-role-in-jan-6-attack/
  74. https://loudwire.com/iced-earth-jon-schaffer-official-sentence-january-6-riot/
  75. https://loudwire.com/iced-earth-jon-schaffer-six-federal-charges-capitol-riot-bear-spray/
  76. https://people.com/crime/iced-earth-guitarist-charged-for-allegedly-using-bear-spray-on-capitol-police/
  77. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-55626148
  78. https://metalinjection.net/news/iced-earths-jon-schaffer-sentenced-to-three-years-probation-fined-for-january-6-insurrection
  79. https://attorneysforfreedom.com/high-profile-cases/jon-schaffer-capitol-riots-case/
  80. https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/iced-earths-jon-schaffer-sentenced-to-three-years-probation
  81. https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/national/capitol-riots/jon-schaffer-first-capitol-rioter-to-plead-guilty-finally-heading-to-sentencing-jan-6-iced-earth-heavy-metal-oath-keppers-militia/65-9f7cefd8-35ed-43f4-87f6-f8232e50cc0e
  82. https://blabbermouth.net/news/jon-schaffer-on-being-among-over-1500-capitol-riot-defendants-pardoned-by-trump-ill-always-be-grateful
  83. https://www.pennlive.com/entertainment/2025/02/heavy-metal-star-received-pardon-from-donald-trump.html
  84. https://arrowlordsofmetal.nl/jon-schaffer-about-being-pardon-trump/
  85. https://blabbermouth.net/news/jon-schaffer-on-his-involvement-in-u-s-capitol-riot-i-was-wrong-and-i-made-a-terrible-mistake
  86. https://loudwire.com/jon-schaffer-first-public-statement-arrest-jan-6-actions/
  87. https://loudwire.com/iced-earth-jon-schaffer-converted-christianity-jan-6-imprisonment-interview/
  88. https://arrowlordsofmetal.nl/jon-schaffer-jesus-only-way/
  89. https://www.loudersound.com/news/two-members-of-iced-earth-quit-in-wake-of-jon-schaffers-capitol-riot-arrest
  90. https://www.guitarworld.com/news/iced-earth-members-quit-over-jon-schaffers-involvement-in-capitol-riots
  91. https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/jon-schaffer-says-he-has-had-great-financial-offers-to-bring-iced-earth-back-but-the-time-is-not-right-now
  92. https://loudwire.com/iced-earth-jon-schaffer-calls-stu-block-poser-jan-6-riot-comments/
  93. https://www.pennlive.com/life/2025/09/metal-guitarist-says-singer-was-a-total-poser-after-jan-6-sentencing.html
  94. https://apnews.com/article/capitol-riot-oath-keepers-musician-iced-earth-schaffer-16e06aba5155e64479880c4854cd4b82
  95. https://blabbermouth.net/news/jon-schaffer-says-he-has-had-great-financial-offers-to-bring-iced-earth-back-but-the-time-is-not-right-now
  96. https://www.theprp.com/2025/04/02/news/iced-earths-jon-schaffer-gives-his-first-interview-since-being-arrested-for-participating-in-the-2021-u-s-capitol-riot/
  97. https://chaoszine.net/jon-schaffer-of-iced-earth-reveals-more-of-his-story-and-religion-after-his-sentence/
  98. https://www.yahoo.com/news/iced-earth-jon-schaffer-gives-142245117.html
  99. https://blabbermouth.net/news/jon-schaffer-opens-up-about-his-involvement-in-u-s-capitol-riot-and-his-faith-journey-its-just-amazing-the-way-god-works
  100. https://blabbermouth.net/news/iced-earths-jon-schaffer-jesus-is-the-only-way-that-is-absolutely-clear-to-me-now
  101. https://blabbermouth.net/news/jon-schaffer-fallout-from-involvement-in-u-s-capitol-riot-brought-me-into-a-personal-relationship-with-christ
  102. https://metalawards.org/2025/04/04/if-i-make-music-again-it-will-be-to-glorify-god-jon-schaffer-iced-earth-is-back-and-says-he-has-found-faith/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.