Jon Schaffer

Jon Ryan Schaffer (/ˈʃeɪfər/; born March 15, 1968) is an American heavy metal musician. He is the rhythm guitarist, bandleader and principal songwriter of the Indiana-based heavy metal band Iced Earth, which he formed in 1985 under the name Purgatory. He is also the lead singer in his political side project Sons of Liberty and, until 2021, played guitar for Demons & Wizards, his collaboration with Blind Guardian frontman Hansi Kürsch. In a 2019 poll by Guitar World, Schaffer was ranked as the 25th-best rhythm guitar player of all time.

For the philosopher, see Jonathan Schaffer. For the computer scientist, see Jonathan Schaeffer.

Jon Schaffer
Schaffer in 2016
Background information
Birth nameJon Ryan Schaffer
Born (1968-03-15) March 15, 1968
Franklin, Indiana, U.S.
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Musician
  • songwriter
Instrument(s)
  • Guitar
  • vocals
Years active1984–2021
Member of
  • Iced Earth
  • Sons of Liberty
  • Purgatory
  • Schaffer/Barlow Project
Formerly ofDemons & Wizards

Schaffer is a founding lifetime member of the far-right Oath Keepers militia. In April 2021, he pleaded guilty to two crimes related to his participation in the storming of the United States Capitol.

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