Metal Reviews

HAHAHAHAHA! good one man!

What do they do? solve crimes with song?

That's not funny. Read WHAT they do with the band.

just curious approximately how much money was Barlow making a year with Iced Earth?

I can't imagine much at all. Base pay for a cop is about $35,000 a year, plus overtime (which most cops do) and detail pay (which no cop refuse to do, usually $25-$35 and hour minimum), I'd bet Matt is making at least $50,000 a year now.

There's no way in hell he was making that much in Iced Earth.

I disagree. iced earth is a fairly big band (in the realm of metal of course). he probably made much more than that when he was in it, unless jon was underpaying him.

I think you just don't realise how little money a band like IE makes.... first, they don't sell as many albums as you might think (something around 200.000 to 500.000) second, their tours don't bring much, traveling costs a lot and the band is lucky if they got any money out of it... third, no a lot of royalties because it's not Barlow's songs...
so, sure you can make a living out of metal when you reached Barlow's status but not as much as he makes with the force... I'm afraid with an over-crowded heavy metal scene that's not going to change any sooner (and that would be my fourth ! )

Barlow got some royalties because he contributed some lyrics, including those to a fairly popular single (Melancholy), but underground band members, even the most popular, have to work a long time to make money unless writing most of the songs (Jon probably makes a pretty penny nowadays). Matt even worked as a restaurant manager when not on tour with IE to make ends meet.

The reason Tim wrote Red Baron/Blue Max is because Jon wanted him to be able to get some money and pay his bills.

well, now thats a shame. argghhh society sucks, this makes me hate all those makeup-wearing-mtv-punkie-goth-fags who get loads of money even more.

That's "The Business."

Why doesn't Barlow just start his own metal band, write most of the songs about whatever he wants, get some known musicials maybe even some ex-Iced Earth members.

Didn't he answer that question when he left Iced Earth?

In December of last year, prior to Iced Earth signing a new record deal, Jon and I had a sit-down concerning what I felt was best for my future and the future of Iced Earth. I told him that my heart was no longer into performing music and I intended to stand down from my position in the band in pursuit of what I felt would be a more satisfying career and consequently a more fulfilled life. Jon was very adamant that I should not leave the band, and asked me not to do something that I might live to regret. I was compelled to stay with it, but as it turns out my course had remained altered.

For you to understand my position on this matter, I feel I must explain myself. As for many people, in and outside of the United States, the events of September 11, 2001 had a profound impact. For me personally, it shined a new light on life. It forced me to realize how precious and how short life is. I feel very fortunate to have been a part of something that has affected so many throughout the world, but I believe that what I am striving for will also reflect positively on those I come in contact with.

I am presently going to school in order to obtain my Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice Administration. When I have received my degree, I intend to follow with a career in law enforcement administration.

I realize that it may be difficult for some of you to understand the decision that has been made, but please believe that it has been made to preserve the integrity of Iced Earth. I know that there will be people who bad-mouth the band and me for this and that there will never be a good enough explanation. For those people, I feel pity that they must live through others and I hope that someday they will find themselves in another place. I have been on a great ride with all of you and I have not a single regret. There are great things to come from Iced Earth and we will all be there to witness them.

I wish Jon and the guys well and I thank you in advance for your support and understanding.

Best wishes,
Matt

Does anyone else need anymore explanations?

People can have a change of heart. Maybe he no longer feels that way.

Matt barlow still looks metal to me for some odd reason,He was a great singer.

One of my friends did this..

HAHAHAHAHA!! Now THAT is funny!