Floridian metalcore outfit Evergreen Terrace have pulled out of next month’s ‘Shell Shock II‘ event. The group were set to serve as the headliner for that October 19th event in Orlando, FL, which is intended to raise funds and awareness for PTSD. However, word of the involvement of Kyle Rittenhouse — among other problematic associations — has seen them drop off the bill.
Rittenhouse is a divisive figure who rose to fame after fatally shooting two of three men in Kenosha, WI back in 2020 amid protests following the police shooting of Jacob Blake.
Rittenhouse claimed self-defense and eventually was acquitted in 2021 for the shootings. Soon after the Kenosha incident, Rittenhouse became a rising star amid right-wing political circles for his actions that day, going so far as meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Rittenhouse was announced as one of the ‘VIP guests’ for ‘Shell Shock II‘, with organizers stating on social media that they were “thrilled” to welcome Rittenhouse to the bill. The social media account for the event has since gone private in the wake of backlash of Rittenhouse‘s involvement, with Evergreen Terrace issuing the below statement on the matter today, September 29th:
“Evergreen Terrace has always supported and continues to support philanthropic events for veterans, PTSD awareness, child poverty, and many more, but we will not align with an event promoting a perceived murderer such as Kyle Rittenhouse capitalizing off of their pseudo celebrity.
Unfortunately we did not do our due diligence with this particular event. Even after they offered to pull Kyle from the event, we discovered several associated entities that we simply do not agree with.
As advocates for free speech we are respectfully canceling the Shell Shock festival. We will be personally contributing to a veterans charity and urge you to do the same. The promoters have been nothing less than understanding.
“Lines we draw in the sand…depend on where we stand.”
See you soon, Orlando.”
Other bands booked for the event included American Hollow, Until I Die, What We Seek, Let Me Bleed, and The Cunningham Wake. According to organizers, “Nearly all the supporting bands feature active first responders among their members, a distinctive element being a key factor.”
An event listing for the concert stated:
‘This concert charity event aims to deliver an exceptional entertainment experience while raising substantial funds for the C.A.T. II Foundation. Portion of proceeds are directed to a reputable charity that supports first responders struggling with injuries to include Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Our goal is to enhance awareness with our best efforts to support the cause.
We believe in a united front among our brothers and sisters who continue to fight the battles even after having served their country. This includes not only our veterans but also the first responders who stand alongside them, confronting the challenges and struggles that persist long after their service. Together, we form a strong and resilient community, dedicated to supporting each other through every battle.
We are incredibly grateful for our amazing sponsors, who live the same brotherhood values and continuously give back to take care of our own.’
