Phil Anselmo Casts Doubt Over Future With Down

Phil Anselmo has posted another apology over his actions at Dimebash 2016, as well as casting doubt over his future with Down.

As the backlash against Phil Anselmo continues following his controversial actions at Dimebash 2016 that saw him delivering racist gestures while closing the annual all-star benefit concert – read about it here – the Down/ex-Pantera frontman has posted another open message expressing his remorse. In words that further expand upon his initial apology video from last week, Phil addresses a number of different issues.

Writing on his official site, Anselmo states, “I am utterly responsible for the mistakes I have made”, and also vows to address personal obstacles at the root of his actions that have seen him “over-indulging in the booze and blurting out spiteful, ignorant reductions of the human spirit itself.”

Also of note, Phil has also put a question mark over his role in his longstanding supergroup Down – which notably comes after FortaRock 2016 Festival pulled their scheduled performance. Writing in an official statement, FortaRock said: “After the recent outbursts by singer Phil Anselmo during the Dimebash event in the US, his band Down is no longer welcome at FortaRock. Anselmo ended the show in the US with a Nazi salute and shouted “White power”. There has been close consultation between all parties recent days, since we wanted to make a well informed decision. On that basis, the decision is made to cancel the act. We want to make clear that there is no room for racism or fascism on FortaRock.”

Speaking about Down’s future, Anselmo writes: “My band mates are now experiencing the consequences of my behaviour, and I now publicly apologise to them as well. Never in my entire lifetime would I drag them down with me, and I’ve privately suggested to them that they move on without me.”

At the time of writing, Down are still currently scheduled to play a number of European festival dates, including a performance at Download in June.

You can read full statement from Phil below:

To all this will concern,

Every citizen in this entire world has the unalienable right to live with dignity and respect without hate or oppression. And I mean this, with all of my crushed, yet, guilty heart. It’s common knowledge that we can choose to either learn from our mistakes, or continue on a path of insensitivity and destruction.

I am utterly responsible for the mistakes I have made, and can only give you my word to no longer do them in the present, through ACTION, not just mere words.

My band mates are now experiencing the consequences of my behaviour, and I now publicly apologise to them as well. Never in my entire lifetime would I drag them down with me, and I’ve privately suggested to them that they move on without me.

My biggest obstacle(s) are the over-indulging in the booze and blurting out spiteful, ignorant reductions of the human spirit itself. I will address these issues, head-on. I’m repulsed by my own actions, and the self-loathing I’m going through right now is justified by the hurt I’ve caused.

I realise we live in a society where apologies are NOT accepted easily, yet long for a day when they can be, but I also understand if I’m shunned till I hit the dirt.

From the bottom of my heart, and with all sincerity, I once again am truly sorry for the pain I have caused.

With truth, love, hope & respect –
Philip H. Anselmo

For more on this story pick up the new issue of Kerrang! (on sale now), and stay posted for developments online: