Former Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin was found guilty for the murder of George Floyd in one of the most talked about trials in recent times. Musicians worldwide have reacted to this news. These include Sebastian Bach from Skid Row. It also included Adam Lambert and Living Colour’s Vernon Reid.
Chauvin was convicted of third degree murder and unintentional murder. He was also found guilty for second-degree manslaughter. The combined sentence for these charges is 75 years.
Floyd’s death also sent shockwaves around the world. Whilst arresting him, former police officer Chauvin knelt on Floyd’s neck for almost 9 and half minutes.
Speaking at his funeral, current US President Joe Biden also said that the US cannot “again turn away from racism that stings at our very soul”. More on that here.
Rockers React to verdict as Chauvin found guilty of Floyd murder
As Chauvin’s guilty verdict was read out, musicians worldwide also reacted online.
“You must be smiling from Heaven. Your life (and tragic murder) has become a turning point in history”, Jane’s Addictions’ Perry Farrell said, “In 9 excruciating minutes the harsh reality of living in a time of police brutality, you’ve made – even realer. Chauvin Guilty As Charged”.
George Floyd’s middle name was also Perry and Farrell referred to this in his post, calling Floyd “another Perry”.
Skid Row’s Sebastian Bach retweeted Lenny Kravitz image asking “what side of history” would the US be on regarding this verdict. He also commented, “There’s only one side of History. It ain’t no mystery”.
The band Living Colour just posted one word, “Guilty”.
Living Colour’s Vernon Reid also responded to Brett Mercuri’s post about feeling nervous about the verdict. Mercuri had initially tweeted, “The longer this takes the more nervous I get. Judge knows the verdict”.
He also added, “I feel like they are setting up protection for jurors”.
Reid also replied, “The only chance the defense had was for a hung jury. Acquittal is simply not on. Not with less of 24hrs of deliberation. Security might be being arranged tho”.
Adam Lambert had also tweeted, “#georgefloyd #DefundThePolice #BlackLivesMatter #PoliceReformNow “.
