A family with ties to Neo-Nazism has been sentenced for promoting racist and antisemitic songs advocating violence against their perceived enemies.
Robert Talland, aged 59 and residing in Waltham Abbey, along with his children, Stephen Talland, 36, from Harlow, and Rosie Talland, 33, were actively involved in the Neo-Nazi Blood & Honour music network, an organization known for spreading hate through performances by far-right bands.
The trio organized concerts that frequently showcased Nazi symbols, with Robert arranging a show at the Corpus Christi Club in Leeds on September 21, 2019. During this event, his children performed racially charged songs while the audience responded by giving Nazi salutes, as revealed during the trial at Woolwich Crown Court.
Robert led his children’s band, Embers Of An Empire, and played a central role in the Blood & Honour network. The judge, Andrew Lees, emphasized the defendants’ deep-rooted allegiance to the Neo-Nazi cause, evident through their dissemination of racist and antisemitic content on social media and active involvement in promoting racial hatred and Neo-Nazi ideology through music concerts.
Aside from music, Robert operated a record label, Rampage Productions, distributing CDs by Neo-Nazi groups that encouraged racial violence with lyrics inciting acts of aggression. The court highlighted song lyrics glorifying violence and promoting hate during a memorial gig for Ian Stuart Donaldson, founder of Blood & Honour, who passed away in 1993.
The family’s actions led to convictions on various charges, including conspiracy to incite racial hatred. They were arrested in October 2020 after a thorough investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing North East, which uncovered a significant amount of incendiary material at Robert’s residence.
Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley condemned their actions, emphasizing the dangerous impact of promoting violence and intolerance. The family members received prison sentences, with Robert serving four years, Stephen receiving two years, and Rosie 18 months in custody.
Frank Ferguson, head of CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, underlined the criminal nature of inciting terrorist acts and racial abuse, stating that the family’s music and lyrics were designed to propagate hate and violence, resulting in real-world consequences.