Charley Crockett drops Twin Temple from tour over satanic imagery
Country star Charley Crockett has removed Los Angeles duo Twin Temple from two July dates on his Age of the Ram tour after the band said his camp objected to their Satanic imagery. Crockett later told Billboard he thought they were like Black Sabbath, adding, "Not today, Satan." The split has sparked debate about artistic freedom on the country circuit and left fans wondering who will open the affected shows.
Key Takeaways
- Twin Temple said Charley Crockett cut them from Oregon and California shows over "Satanic imagery."
- The self-proclaimed "satanic doo-wop" duo announced the news Wednesday in an Instagram post.
- Crockett confirmed the removal Friday, telling Billboard: "I thought they were like Black Sabbath, but they ain't. Not today, Satan."
- The duo was booked for July 14 in Troutdale, Oregon, and July 18 in Paso Robles, California.
- Twin Temple's name no longer appears on Crockett's official tour itinerary for those dates.
Why did Charley Crockett remove Twin Temple from his tour?
According to Twin Temple, Charley Crockett's team told them Wednesday that they were being dropped from upcoming shows "due to our Satanic imagery." The husband-and-wife act — singer Alexandra James and guitarist Zachary James — shared the news in an Instagram statement that quickly circulated across celebrity breaking news outlets.
On Friday, a spokesperson for Crockett confirmed the decision to Yahoo Entertainment, which syndicated a Billboard report. "I thought they were like Black Sabbath, but they ain't. Not today, Satan," the country singer said.
Who are Twin Temple and what is their Satanic imagery?
Twin Temple describe themselves as a self-proclaimed devil-worshiping, "satanic doo-wop" duo based in Los Angeles. Their catalog leans heavily into occult themes, with song titles including "Lucifer, My Love," "Sex Magick," "Burn Your Bible," "Let's Have a Satanic Orgy," and "The Devil (Didn't Make Me Do It)," according to reporting on the story.
AL.com noted the group is known for practicing Satanism, citing additional tracks such as "Satan's a Woman." Their most recent album, 2023's God Is Dead, further underscores the aesthetic that defines their live shows and artwork.
Which Charley Crockett tour dates are affected?
Twin Temple had been scheduled to open two Age of the Ram tour stops next week: July 14 in Troutdale, Oregon, and July 18 in Paso Robles, California. Reporting indicates their billing has since been removed from Crockett's official itinerary.
It remains unclear who will replace Twin Temple on those dates. Crockett's wider summer run continues with a rotating slate of openers, including Sierra Hall, Wild Horses, Pony Bradshaw, Nat Myers, and Durand Jones & the Indications on other legs of the trek.
How did Twin Temple and Charley Crockett respond publicly?
In their Instagram post, Twin Temple wrote that they were "really disappointed" and had looked forward to "bringing different types of people and music lovers together." They thanked supporters "not only of Twin Temple, but more importantly of artistic freedom," signing off with "HAIL SATAN! 93/93."
Crockett's blunt Billboard quote offered a contrasting tone from the duo's statement about creative expression. The clash lands as Crockett continues his Age of the Ram summer run, while the San Francisco Chronicle reported the Stern Grove headliner dropped the duo from the broader tour over satanic imagery.