Brexit Party Stands Behind Candidate Dr Graham Cushway Who Plays In ‘Nazi Vampire’ Metal Band

And speaking to the PA News Agency, a Brexit Party spokesman expressed regret that Dr Cushway was being criticised for being in Stuka Squadron.

They said: “He’s fought in two wars and he’s quite a successful metal guitarist.

“To suggest that he is in any way associated with that which people are trying to associate him with is just silly.”

Asked about the band’s Luftwaffe-inspired aesthetic, the spokesman said: “You have to draw a distinction between art and life.

“The Brexit Party is happy to stand behind Dr Cushway and his candidature – though maybe not his taste in music.”

However, a spokesperson for Hope Not Hate said: “It says a lot about Nigel Farage and the Brexit Party that they consider an individual who dresses up as a Nazi vampire a suitable candidate for political office. It’s clear they don’t take voters seriously.” 

Hope Not Hate pointed out that Cushway had been photographed wearing a tie branded with SS insignia whilst performing, describing the symbolism of which as “revolting”, regardless of “the excuses Cushway might make”. 

Stuka Squadron insisted in their statement that the skull insignia seen on Cushway’s tie was a reference to the logo worn by fellow metal band Slayer.

The name itself originates from dive bomber planes used by German forces during World War II.  

As well as their outfit choices, which also include long leather coats and heavy boots, Stuka Squadron’s lyrics have also been scrutinised.

Hope Not Hate made reference to two songs in particular, the first of which was Tales of the Ost (named in apparent reference to the Eastern Front), which includes the lines “Flying high above them all, the saviours of the Reich, the Stuka Squadron vampires head into the fight… An Iron Cross on every chest, the Squadron dwindled fast”.

A second song, One Eyed God King, written from the perspective of the Norse god Odin, includes the lyrics: ”“Hear my words that I implant, of blood crusade and racial war, the heathens you invented, the wolves inside the door, you rinse in blood the party’s name, fly your banners high”.

The band formed more than a decade ago and have earned a modest following throughout their career, with some 1,200 followers on Facebook. There is no indication of any future tour dates currently booked, but various videos of the band performing are available online.