Bands Withdraw from Florida Metal Festival Over Kyle Rittenhouse Appearance

Several acts have opted out of Shell Shock II after learning of Rittenhouse's involvement, citing ideological disagreements.

Shell Shock II, a metal festival in Orlando, Florida, scheduled for October 19, has faced significant band withdrawals after announcing Kyle Rittenhouse as a special guest.
Evergreen Terrace, Southpaw, Let Me Bleed, and American Hollow are among the bands that have pulled out, expressing discomfort with Rittenhouse's participation.
The festival aims to raise funds for veterans and first responders with PTSD, but the inclusion of Rittenhouse has overshadowed its charitable intentions.
Rittenhouse, who was acquitted of charges after shooting three people during a protest in 2020, has become a controversial figure, particularly in left-leaning circles.
Festival organizers have responded to the backlash by replacing the headliner with a Slipknot tribute band and framing the situation as a clash of ideologies.