Machine Gun Kelly upset people again — this time, it's over a musical instrument.
The 33-year-old musician recently fired back at critics of a new metallic silver, razor-blade-shaped guitar he designed with a popular brand.
The "Bloody Valentine" singer partnered with Schecter guitars to create a unique instrument featuring a Schecter USA Pasadena Plus bridge pickup and Master Volume / Killswitch controls.
However, MGK has received a lot of backlash this time over its controversial design and people's interpretations of what it might promote.
That has to be the ugliest guitar I've ever seen
— Atlas :) SEEING PARX!!!! 🍉 (@etrnalascension) January 8, 2024
I’ve defended Machine Gun Kelly through everything he’s been under fire for, he’s my favorite artist! You don’t like it, COOL! I’m not making you! Him and his music has saved my life, I’ve watched him grow and change! IT IS A GUITAR, DON’T LIKE IT? DON’T BUY IT! it’s simple!
— 🍅Smiley Toni w/ the Curls//Hugged Mod! 💙 (@HippyHawking) January 9, 2024
On Thursday, MGK finally responded to criticism over his controversially-shaped guitar to defend his artistic vision.
On X (formally known as Twitter), MGK wrote, "I'll never explain my art because true art is conversational and always up for interpretation, but I will say, most of you constantly interpret it wrong. And then blame me for your version of what you think my art is."
He continued. "Ultimately, I'm sad at how people perceive me in general. Peace."
i'll never explain my art, because true art is conversational and always up for interpretation, but i will say, most of you constantly interpret it wrong. and then blame me for your version of what you think my art is. ultimately im sad at how people perceive me in general. peace
In a fan video, MGK explained to a crowd of fans that the razor blade guitar is "kind of an ode to 'Tickets To My Downfall,' the line on the title track and also a nod to my 20s and all the crazy times that I had."
The lyrics from "title track" off MGK's fifth studio album are: "I use a razor to take off the edge, 'Jump off the ledge,' they said / 'Take the laser, aim at my head and paint the walls red,' I said/ I'm crazy, I'm off the meds, I'm 'better off dead,' they said / I use a razor to take off the edge, jump off the ledge."
But, according to MGK, that particular line doesn't have to do with self-harm. Back in 2022, at the 25th SCAD Savannah Film Festival, he said, "I'm talking about I use a single-blade razor to shave my face because I have so much anxiety I can't sit the fuck still for five seconds."
What do you think about MGK's new guitar design? Let's discuss it in the comments.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline is 1-888-950-6264 (NAMI) and provides information and referral services; GoodTherapy.org is an association of mental health professionals from more than 25 countries who support efforts to reduce harm in therapy.
