Walter Bond: Alleged sheepskin factory arsonist inspiration for song by straight-edge band

Walter Bond.

We recently told you about alleged arsonist Walter Bond, who authorities believe was responsible for burning down Glendale's Sheepskin Factory and two businesses in Salt Lake City, including a restaurant that served foie gras.

Turns out Bond's a hero to the animal liberation movement, and to members of a straight-edge band Earth Crisis, who reportedly used his 1998 conviction for arson as inspiration for a song and video called "As Ashes."

This information comes from the website Voice of the Voiceless!, which calls itself the "Journal of the Animal Liberation Movement." Here's an excerpt from a piece credited to Peter Young about Bond, whose nickname is "Lone Wolf:"

The arrest of the accused A.L.F. "Lone Wolf" Walter Bond has generated nationwide media coverage which has forced the issue of animal suffering into the minds of millions. Countless online and print articles have brought the overlooked issue of cow skin products into the conscious of the general public, in addition to the general issue of animal oppression. Excerpts from the Lone Wolf communiques have also brought the issue of animal suffering to a mainstream audience.

The first TV news segment focuses on Bond's "folk hero" status after being the subject of a song by the vegan straight edge band Earth Crisis. The band's song "To Ashes" was inspired by Bond's 1998 prison sentence for arson. Bond was convicted of burning down a meth lab owned by a drug dealer who was selling to his brother. Earth Crisis wrote a song celebrating this brand of militant anti-drug action.

By the way, here's the aforementioned Lone Wolf communique:

The arson at the Sheepskin Factory in Denver was done in defense and retaliation for all the innocent animals that have died cruelly at the hands of human oppressors. Be warned that making a living from the use and abuse of animals will not be tolerated. Also be warned that leather is every bit as evil as fur. As demonstrated in my recent arson against the Leather Factory in Salt Lake City. Go vegan!

In a separate item, Voice of the Voiceless! writer Young encourages readers to send letters of support to Bond at his current address -- a county jail in Golden.

Click below to check out the Earth Crisis clip for "As Ashes:"