Knocked Loose stirred up intense emotions with their recent performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, and lead vocalist Bryan Garris has a bold message for their critics: “If it scared you, good.” This statement encapsulates the band’s ethos and the reaction they aim to provoke through their music.

Exploring the Impactful Performance and Its Controversy

During their electrifying appearance on the ABC late-night show, Knocked Loose delivered a powerful rendition of their latest track “Suffocate,” featuring a guest performance by the artist Poppy. The band made a striking visual impression, dressed entirely in black while performing against a backdrop of an illuminated cross, a nod to the provocative imagery present in their latest album. The outdoor audience was treated to a unique atmosphere, enhanced by a light rain that fell throughout the performance, adding to the energy of the moment. Poppy, dressed in a flowing white dress, matched the intensity of her metal counterparts with a stunning vocal performance, showcasing her versatility in a heavier musical context.

For many enthusiasts of the metal genre, this appearance might seem standard, yet it is rare for heavy bands to secure such a significant platform on national television. Consequently, the performance attracted criticism from viewers who were not accustomed to the intensity and rawness that heavy music often embodies. You can revisit the performance below.

Knocked Loose Featuring Poppy, “Suffocate”

Analyzing Viewer Reactions to the Performance

The performance elicited a wide array of reactions from viewers, both on the Kimmel YouTube channel and across various social media platforms. One viewer shared their dismay, stating, “I was trying to enjoy the program while sitting with my son, who is an adolescent. We tuned in expecting to see the usual musical guest, but by the third or fourth heavy guitar riff, my son was in tears. He doesn’t like scary things, and I believe the Kimmel show should issue a formal apology.” This comment illustrates the divide between traditional music listeners and the heavier styles showcased by bands like Knocked Loose.

Another viewer expressed confusion over the genre, commenting, “What’s with all the screaming and nonsense in the name of music? There’s nothing appealing about this genre. The audience responding to this chaotic ‘woke’ music needs professional help.” Such critiques highlight the challenges faced by heavy music artists in reaching mainstream audiences. Another user remarked, “That wasn’t singing; anyone can just yell lyrics and get paid,” while yet another viewer added, “This was not enjoyable, and you can’t even comprehend more than 5 percent of the lyrics. Moshing is not dancing!” These comments underscore a significant disconnect between traditional musical tastes and the aggressive approach taken by metal bands.

READ MORE: The 51 Best Rock + Metal Albums of 2024

On a lighter note, some viewers found humor in the backlash. One individual jokingly commented, “I demand an apology. My face melted off, and I started throwing uncontrollable spin kicks in my living room. My furniture is destroyed, and I accidentally caught both my kids in a wild windmill. Overall, it was a 10/10 performance, but now my family doesn’t trust me anymore.” This humorous take highlights the exhilaration that heavy music can evoke.

Some fans found the backlash entertaining. One viewer quipped, “The fact that this made grandmas clutch their pearls is hilarious.” Another chimed in, “Knowing that this upset people so much makes it the best late-night performance ever.” Additionally, one fan noted, “Some kid watching this for the first time has likely discovered his calling in metal music.” This variety of responses illustrates the polarizing nature of heavy music in mainstream settings.

Insights from Bryan Garris on Knocked Loose’s ‘Kimmel’ Performance

In light of the public’s reactions to their performance, Bryan Garris reflected on the experience as a significant achievement for the band. He expressed, “For a long time, our goal has been to see how far we could push this band into spaces where we traditionally don’t belong, and I believe this may well be our biggest accomplishment yet: appearing on national television. Every day, it feels like the ceiling rises for all of us, and we celebrate this moment together.” His words resonate with the band’s commitment to breaking boundaries and challenging norms.

In addressing those who were shocked by their performance, Garris kept it succinct, stating, “If it scared you, good.” This remark emphasizes the band’s intent to provoke thought and emotion through their music.

Garris’ complete comments on the Jimmy Kimmel Live performance can be viewed below.

You may have seen it already, or perhaps you haven’t. I’ve been fortunate that my timeline is filled with so much support that I encounter it every time I check my phone. However, I wanted to share my thoughts personally. Recently, Knocked Loose performed on @jimmykimmellive. Our goal has always been to see how far we could push this band into spaces where we don’t fit, and I think this may be the biggest one yet: national television. Every day feels like the ceiling gets higher for everyone, and we celebrate this achievement together. Thank you so much.

As we walked down the hallway to the stage, I looked left and right, spotting photos of all the celebrities who have appeared on the show over the years—presidents, actors, musicians, and more. I leaned over to @caasihale and remarked, “This started in your garage.” He held onto me tightly, and that’s a moment I’ll never forget.

PS: if it scared you, good.

Currently, Knocked Loose is on a hiatus for the remainder of the year but plans to return with more electrifying live shows in March in the U.K. Fans can view their scheduled 2025 tour dates, both internationally and domestically, along with ticketing information, on their official website.