Family's neo-Nazi music band didn't mean for racist lyrics to be taken literally'

"Talland managed his children's band, Embers of an Empire, and was a leading figure of the Blood & Honour neo-Nazi network which promoted their ideology through music festivals and the sale of merchandise for white power rock bands, counter terrorism police said. He also ran a record label, Rampage Productions, which distributed CDs by neo-Nazi groups. The albums encouraged right-wing terrorism with songs calling for people to join the fight against race mixers, to let the blood flow and smash heads in,"

"Members of the audience at the 2019 gig were captured on CCTV making Nazi salutes to lyrics that said Hope you're ready to die, Won't stop until the last one hits the floor, and We'll send them back in a box. Mark Gadsden, defending Robert, said: The lyrics were metaphorical and not meant to be taken literally. It is the case that nobody has acted on that music and go on to commit acts of violence."

"Talland and his children were all convicted of conspiracy to incite racial hatred following a nine-week trial at the same court earlier this year. Additionally, Rosie and Stephen were convicted of inciting racial hatred. Robert was also found guilty of one offence of possessing racially inflammatory material and two further counts of disseminating terrorist publications. Robert, Stephen, and Rosie Talland were arrested on October 1, 2020, after a year-long investigation by officers from Counter Terrorism Policing North East."

Robert Talland managed his children's band Embers of an Empire and led the Blood & Honour neo‑Nazi network while running Rampage Productions, a label distributing neo‑Nazi CDs. Talland organized a September 2019 gig where Stephen and Rosie Talland performed songs that incited racial hatred. Audience members were filmed making Nazi salutes to violent, racist lyrics. All three were convicted of conspiracy to incite racial hatred; Stephen and Rosie were additionally convicted of inciting racial hatred. Robert faced further convictions for possessing racially inflammatory material and disseminating terrorist publications following a year-long counter‑terrorism investigation.

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