On October 15th, American heavy metal band FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH released the music video for their new song, Living The Dream, and was immediately met with controversy.
The video was described by news media outlets as demonizing toward "maskers", but guitarist Zoltan Bathory had this to say on his official facebook page:
"As much as some *news sites* used “anti-mask” as a clickbait title (And I must applaud the capitalist in them or I myself would be a hypocrite) Let’s make this crystal clear: In a fictional story, Amongst shopping cart zombies, Tide Pod eating fat superheroes and all the other metaphors, why would anyone think the mask scene isn’t one. The scene in question is not about the masks... it’s NOT an Anti-Mask message..."
Hungarian-born Bathory went on to talk about the validity of one's experiences and to not take them for granted, having been born under totalitarian rule.
He continues: "The mask segments are about hypocrisy on the highest level. When the rules are made for you but those who made them are exempt. Pretty much the standard in all dictatorships and totalitarian regimes (I had the displeasure of growing up in one) hence the reference. I often say, ask us!!! The immigrants... the Cubans, the Venezuelans, the North Koreans, anyone from the former Soviet block... Talk to us and we will tell you ...."
WE were lucky, because we had a place to escape to. We are fortunate that we could come here.... but If America is gone, where will you go?
Zoltan Bathory's powerful commentary didn't end there, continuing: "We immigrants also remember how our freedom slipped away, how our rights were ripped from us, how we were kept under the thumb and in fear of our own governments. So maybe, just maybe... we have valuable experience we can tell you about, we can forewarn you of the things we have seen before."
All of this unfurled just days after confirming the band had split ways with long-time guitarist Jason Hook after months of fan speculation. Jason was sidelined by surgery in 2019, and was unable to perform during FFDP's touring cycle at the beginning of 2020 to promote the bands new album, F8, which came out in February. Andy James replaced Jason for the tour, and on Oct 12 was confirmed as permanent replacement behind the axe.
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Written by Steve Knudsen
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