Israeli metalcore band Her Last Sight has cancelled their upcoming German tour following a backlash over a social media post made by guitarist Ofek. The post, originally shared on Instagram, contained language deemed discriminatory and sparked widespread criticism, ultimately leading to venues and opening acts withdrawing their participation.
The controversy centers around an Instagram Reel reposted by Ofek that included ableist language and asserted “there are two genders,” alongside a denial of Palestine’s statehood. This prompted immediate condemnation from fans and advocacy groups, who labelled the content as harmful and discriminatory. The swift reaction resulted in a domino effect, with German venues and supporting bands announcing they would no longer be involved in the tour.
In a statement, Her Last Sight expressed disappointment with what they characterized as a “false narrative” surrounding the post. They defended it as intended as “comedic” and emphasized that the band does not adhere to any specific social or political ideology. “We are musicians. We create art. We use humour (sometimes bold, sometimes self-ironic) to entertain. Never to harm, never to exclude,” the band stated. They further criticized what they termed “cancel culture,” arguing it stifles creative expression.
However, LGBTQ+ advocates in Germany strongly refuted the band’s characterization of the post as harmless humor. One activist, speaking to local media, argued that “When you dismiss identities as a joke, you perpetuate discrimination. Freedom of expression doesn’t mean freedom from accountability.” This highlights the growing tension between artistic license and the responsibility to avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes or discriminatory views.
Her Last Sight’s situation reflects a broader trend within the music industry, and entertainment as a whole, of artists facing increased scrutiny for their public statements and actions. The speed with which criticism can spread through social media, coupled with the willingness of venues and collaborators to withdraw support, creates a high-stakes environment for musicians navigating complex social and political issues.
The band’s cancellation comes amidst a period of rising visibility for metalcore, a genre blending elements of heavy metal and hardcore punk. Her Last Sight was identified in a Loudwire article as one of 25 rock and metal bands poised for increased recognition. The cancellation of the German tour, however, undoubtedly impacts their momentum and raises questions about their future touring plans.
Beyond the immediate impact on the tour, the incident raises important questions about the role of artists in public discourse. While Her Last Sight maintains a separation between their music and personal beliefs, the controversy demonstrates that audiences are increasingly unwilling to compartmentalize the two. The band’s attempt to frame the post as simply “humor” failed to resonate with critics, who viewed it as a deliberate expression of harmful views.
The band maintains a presence on TikTok, with a recent post from featuring their song “Who needs hoes when you have Buzuki?” garnering significant engagement. Another post from highlights their music as “metalcore, metal, breakdown, heavy metal.” These social media activities stand in contrast to the recent controversy, showcasing the band’s attempt to maintain a connection with their fanbase despite the backlash.
The cancellation of the German tour is a significant setback for Her Last Sight, and the incident serves as a cautionary tale for other artists. It underscores the importance of considering the potential impact of public statements and the need for sensitivity towards marginalized communities. The band’s response, while defending their right to creative expression, ultimately failed to address the concerns raised by critics and led to the collapse of their European tour plans. The long-term consequences of this controversy remain to be seen, but it undoubtedly marks a challenging chapter for the rising metalcore act.
