A Lucifer-Loving Band Say Charley Crockett Dropped Them From His Tour Over Their ‘Satanic Imagery’

In a recent development that has stirred conversation around artistic expression and touring collaborations, Twin Temple, a Los Angeles-based musical duo, announced they were removed from opening slots on country artist Charley Crockett's upcoming tour. The decision reportedly stemmed from Crockett's objections to Twin Temple's prominent use of Satanic imagery, which the duo incorporates into their music and stage persona.

Twin Temple, composed of married couple Alexandra James and Zachary James, is known for blending retro Sixties doo-wop and rock with a distinct aesthetic centered on occult symbolism, including pentagrams and inverted crosses. Their song titles and themes, such as "Lucifer, My Love" and "I Am a Witch," reflect this motif, positioning them uniquely within the contemporary music landscape.

According to an Instagram statement shared by Twin Temple, the duo was informed shortly before the scheduled series of shows that Crockett had decided to remove them from the lineup due to their use of Satanic symbols. The announcement left Twin Temple disappointed, as they had anticipated reconnecting with audiences and fostering a diverse fan base through the tour.

The duo expressed gratitude toward their supporters for backing not only their music but also the broader principle of artistic freedom. Their message concluded with an affirmation of their artistic identity, underscoring the significance of their imagery to their creative expression.

Charley Crockett, whose musical style leans heavily into traditional country, provided a statement relayed through his representative to Rolling Stone, clarifying his stance. While he dismissed the notion that he opposed all aspects of countercultural expression, he explicitly distanced himself from endorsing what he described as overt Satanic symbolism.

Further communication from Crockett, notably an Instagram post made days later, reiterated his position by juxtaposing his political views with his refusal to embrace Satanic themes, illustrating the complexity of his personal boundaries in terms of tour partnerships.

The origins of the collaboration between Twin Temple and Crockett remain somewhat unclear. However, it is notable that both artists share a connection to Shooter Jennings, a Grammy-winning producer who has worked on Crockett's recent albums and has been an advocate for Twin Temple's music. This shared industry link may have facilitated their initial touring arrangement.

Following their departure from Crockett's tour, Twin Temple has secured an opening slot for Glenn Danzig's upcoming September tour. This pairing appears more congruent given Danzig's longstanding association with dark, occult-themed heavy metal. Their scheduled performances will include stops in regions like Texas and Tennessee, states known for diverse musical audiences.

The incident between Twin Temple and Charley Crockett underscores ongoing tensions within the music industry where divergent artistic identities and values can impact professional relationships and touring decisions. While details concerning the negotiation process and the precise reasons for the split remain limited, the episode highlights the challenges artists face in balancing creative expression with the expectations and comfort zones of collaborators.

As this situation develops, it serves as a case study on how symbolism and thematic content in music can influence not only audience reception but also business partnerships. Twin Temple's experience reflects broader questions about the intersection of image, genre boundaries, and the evolving definitions of acceptable art in contemporary touring circuits.