Iced Earth Stuff

[KiloDeltaCharlie]

Given he (and others) are being sued by the city of Washington, it might be a desperate money grab to cover the loses he's likely to incur.

[Charger]

Quite possible indeed...could just be a record company thing as well...it's possible if they had some contractual thing they want to release stuff so they can then cut the band loose.

[Zzzptm]

Well, then again, if he doesn't go to jail, he can still do concerts.

[Jack the Stripper]

Isn’t he in witness protection though? Either way, probably not too smart to do concerts in the US if he values his safety. Maybe in Europe, but not sure how popular Iced Earth are there. I thought the US was where their main fan base was?

[KiloDeltaCharlie]

They are (well... were!) quite big in parts of Europe like Germany (Plagues of Babylon got to No.5 on their album chart). But I'm sure you're right Jack, the US will be their/his main market.

I doubt Schaffer will be doing any personal appearances in support of this release, plus once the usefulness of his evidence has been assessed he will be going to jail (3 to 5 years I beleive).

[Charger]

IE has certainly had a pretty big following in Europe...

As far as the future of the band...I doubt there'll be anything more in a while. I doubt there's anything to warrant a wit-sec program though. Nor I doubt he'd go for one either being a public figure and all. It will be interesting to see if he'll do some time more time...I mean he's been in custody for almost a year now so what ever his sentence will be, this will be considered time served.

[KiloDeltaCharlie]

He's out of prison, he was only there until his case was heard, he was released May/June time last year having surrendered his passport. He's supposed to be working with the authorities to name-names and such like. That's why he needs Wit-Prot... certainly until its all over. If he isn't helpful to the authorities he gets a longer prison sentence, although not the 30-40 years he was initially look at.


BTW I was just wondering if we should move these posts to the Iced Earth thread?

[Charger]

Done.


I thought he was still remanded...but yeah after some research he was indeed released but under the court's supervision.

Just becoming a witness doesn't automatically grant you access to wit-sec. It's pretty exclusive program actually and very few people get it....mostly people who testify against the mob or cartels or some big hitters like that...I'm pretty sure testifying against some protesters does not require that. And it would be rather difficult for a public figure anyways.

Nothing even indicates that he would be in protective custody or in a safe house...from what I gathered he's just living at home but has to report to the court every now and then.

[Zzzptm]

Standard probation stuff. He might not be able to tour if he's got a conviction, I remember that from a friend of mine who'd been to prison and was on parole - very restrictive on travel outside the county of residence.

But, yeah, it seems like it's another case of the artist and the art. I'm sure there are fans that either don't care or who can separate the artist from the art. And there will be people who won't be able to hear his work the same way.