OPETH mastermind Mikael Akerfeldt discussed negative feedback to the band’s ongoing prog rock phase, telling Team Rock:
“We were hitting places where they were a bit loud in voicing in their opinions in the middle of the show.
“People started complaining and screaming and leaving during the show. And people started to challenge me to fights onstage.
“At this one show, this guy threw down his glove. He was challenging me to a duel.
“No, [I didn’t accept the duel]. [Laughs] I had him thrown out.”
Mikael added:
“I’m a stubborn person.
“Like playing ‘Heritage’ songs before the album even came out, that was just tunnel vision: ‘We’re gonna do it this way, and you can f*ck off if you don’t like it.’
“Sometimes I’m too stubborn, maybe. But I can’t change myself.
“I’ve put a lot into Opeth over the years. But then I’ve had no choice. This band is our life’s work.”
