In a recent interview with Germany’s Radio Bob!, Sharon Den Adel of WITHIN TEMPTATION addressed a surprising drop in their Instagram followers after the band posted about Pride and equality. Den Adel expressed her shock and disappointment that the post, advocating for equality and acceptance, led to the loss of 20,000 followers. She remarked, “It was a shock… It’s reflecting how people are thinking about how things are changing in society sometimes by things you post. It’s, like, wow. I didn’t see this coming.” Despite this, she stands by their message and sees it as a way to clear out those who don’t align with the band’s values, saying, “I’m really happy that it happened because it just cleans up the database.”
Den Adel also discussed the band’s commitment to addressing current global issues through their music. In an interview with Mexico’s Summa Inferno, she elaborated on why they incorporate political and social themes into their songs. She likened musicians to storytellers from the past, who traveled and shared news through their music. “We are musicians. And what do musicians do? They’re storytellers, in my opinion,” she said. She highlighted the importance of keeping pressing issues in the public eye, such as the war in Ukraine and the death of Mahsa Amini, stating, “Certain things you need to keep addressing and talking about.”
When asked about potential backlash for their political views, Den Adel emphasized her belief in democracy and the role of music in fostering discussion and awareness. “I believe in democracy. And I think also we have a voice, and I believe in debating,” she explained. She stressed that their goal is not to criticize but to keep important topics alive and encourage deeper thinking about global issues.
Overall, WITHIN TEMPTATION continues to use their platform to address significant social and political issues, reflecting their commitment to both their music and their values.