Glenn Danzig’s U.S. Tour Sparks Controversy Over Merchandise

Earlier this month, Glenn Danzig, the frontman of Misfits and his own eponymous band, launched a short United States tour featuring support from Down, Abbath, and Cro-Mags. The tour is set to continue until the end of March and promises an exciting experience for attendees. However, it has also ignited controversy, as some fans have raised concerns regarding Nazi iconography present on Danzig’s merchandise.

What Happened

In the past few days, multiple Reddit threads have surfaced, showcasing a piece of merchandise from Danzig’s tour that prominently features the “Black Sun” symbol, also known as the “sunwheel” or “sonnenrad.” According to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), this symbol “is one of a number of ancient European symbols appropriated by the Nazis in their attempt to invent an idealized ‘Aryan/Norse’ heritage.”

The ADL elaborates on the symbol’s history, stating:

The sonnenrad appears in the traditional symbology of many countries and cultures, including Old Norse and Celtic cultures. It has countless variations; the swastika and similar rounded variants are actually sonnenrad forms, as are certain versions of the Celtic Cross. In Nazi Germany, the Nazi Party, the SA, and the SS all used sonnenrad symbology at times, which has led neo-Nazis and other modern white supremacists to adopt such images. One specific version of the sonnenrad is particularly favored among white supremacists: two concentric circles with crooked rays emanating from the inner circle to the outer circle, sometimes featuring a hate symbol like a swastika in the center.

It is important to note that while the sonnenrad has been used by various cultures worldwide, the context in which it appears significantly influences its interpretation.

Currently, the discussions on Reddit have centered around a shared image from Danzig’s show at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California. The merchandise features a cartoonish depiction of Danzig wearing an upside-down cross, standing before the Black Sun symbol with clenched fists on fire. Notably, both the poster and shirt reportedly glow in the dark.

For instance, a thread on the r/Danzig subreddit titled “Nazi merch at the Danzig show last night” has garnered numerous comments, with fans both condemning and debating the implications of the imagery. One user pointed out, “His stage name is Danzig, he’s always deliberately courted controversy,” while another responded, “You cannot display Nazi shit in a time when there are actual Nazis in power and call it ‘occult.’ Stop stumping for this fascist shit.”

Another thread, labeled “FFS, Really Glenn? This is over the line,” sparked a similar outpouring of passionate responses. A user noted, “It’s like people aren’t aware of Glenn Danzig or his near 50-year career. He’s literally always exploited controversial imagery and symbolism. He’s the guy who wrote Bullet, remember? He uses iron crosses and pentagrams and he enjoys causing a stir. Is he a Nazi? Highly doubtful. Move on.”

Similar discussions have also emerged on r/punk and r/AntifascistsofReddit, with some fans defending Danzig’s use of the imagery.

As of now, Glenn Danzig has not issued any statement regarding the controversy surrounding his merchandise, leaving fans divided on the matter.

Danzig’s Controversial Past Comments

This incident is not the first time Danzig has found himself at the center of controversy. In 2021, he made headlines for his remarks on the punk genre’s ability to produce edgy content in the face of what he termed “woke bullshit.” He specifically referenced the song “Last Caress,” which discusses dark themes, stating to Rolling Stone:

“It’s just a crazy-ass song. We would do things just to piss people off. . . . People don’t understand, because everything’s so cancel-culture, woke bullshit nowadays, but you could never have the punk explosion nowadays, because of cancel culture and woke bullshit. You could never have it. It would never have happened.”

In a 1994 interview with Rolling Stone, Danzig responded to criticism regarding his recommendation of the book “The Occult Roots of Nazism,” explaining, “It was sarcastic. Well, you can learn from it. Obviously, if a book is published, it’s got knowledge in it. If you let your bias get in the way, you don’t know about it.”

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding Glenn Danzig’s merchandise serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between art and symbolism, especially in a charged sociopolitical climate. While some fans appreciate Danzig’s history of provocative imagery, others feel compelled to critique it, particularly when it intersects with sensitive topics like racism and neo-Nazism. As the tour continues, it remains to be seen whether Danzig will address the backlash and how it may influence his audience’s perception of his work.

FAQs

What is the Black Sun symbol?

The Black Sun, or sonnenrad, is an ancient symbol that has been appropriated by Nazi groups to signify an idealized Aryan heritage.

Why are fans upset about Danzig’s merchandise?

Fans are concerned that the use of Nazi iconography on Danzig’s merchandise could be interpreted as a troubling endorsement of racist ideologies, especially during a time of rising white supremacy.

Has Danzig responded to the controversy?

As of now, Glenn Danzig has not publicly addressed the controversy regarding his merchandise.

Is Danzig known for controversial imagery?

Yes, Danzig has a long history of utilizing provocative imagery and themes in his music and merchandise, often courting controversy as part of his artistic expression.