Ivan Moody Clarifies Motograter Rumors: “I’m Not Rejoining The Band — I’m Protecting Its Legacy”

After a week of swirling rumors, Five Finger Death Punch frontman Ivan Moody has addressed speculation about a potential reunion with his first band, Motograter, explaining his true role in the band’s future.

The chatter began when former Motograter member Michael “The Kidd” Stewart hinted on social media that Moody was rejoining the industrial metal outfit. Moody’s own posts showing him reconnecting with former bandmates only intensified fan excitement — though it turns out a full-fledged return isn’t happening.

In an Instagram Stories statement, Moody confirmed he is not rejoining Motograter. Instead, he has taken steps to protect the band’s legacy, including purchasing the Motograter trademark to ensure the name cannot be “abused or misused.”

“Through the years I’ve watched that project whittle out into dust on a memory. And it hurt. Knowing there was so much potential and it was X’d out… When [Noah and I] started talking, it became very evident to me there was a lot of people in play, a lot of crap. So I decided to buy it. That way, nobody could take it anymore and it couldn’t be abused or misused.”

Moody also expressed his frustration with Stewart:

“First and foremost, to Michael ‘The Kidd’ Stewart, you bottom-feeding bubbleheaded boob. How dare you step on my toes, spreading rumors and causing commotion. I was so pissed off when I read all that man. This Michael fucking Stewart guy. Who the fuck do you think you are dude? Fucking peon.”

Motograter, which formed in 1995, has had a tumultuous history, breaking up and reforming multiple times between 2005 and 2018. While Moody went on to global success with Five Finger Death Punch, Motograter remains a crucial chapter in his career.

Moody also addressed recent photos that fueled speculation, noting they were taken during a birthday gathering with former bandmates and associates, not a recording session. He praised drummer Noah “Shark” Robertson for keeping the band’s spirit alive over the years and revealed that he has discussed potentially producing a Motograter record with Robertson, taking on a behind-the-scenes advisory role rather than stepping back onstage.

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