The members of Five Finger Death Punch have been busy lately. Their 10th studio album, Legacy, was recently released, and they began their 20th Anniversary World Tour in July with the North American leg. Zoltán Báthory is the founder of 5FDP as well as their rhythm guitarist and primary songwriter. When asked his thoughts about celebrating two decades of success, Báthory was proud but more grateful for their legions of fans.
“It was always the people’s band,” he said with a smile. The Las Vegas band has been around so long, they were first getting attention on MySpace. Báthory recalled experts writing in magazines that they wouldn’t be around very long, but staying true to themselves and focusing only on the music has been their key to success.
“We just kept pushing and the people stayed with us.”
THE FANS ARE GYM BROS AND HEROES
Báthory knows their music is not for everybody, but he hears stories all the time from people who have told them that hits such as “Under and Over It” and “Wash it All Away” are on their workout playlists or may have helped them get past a hard time in their lives. Báthory views that as a badge of honor because he himself trains in Flex Lewis’ Dragon Lair gym in Las Vegas and is as much a part of that community as he is the hard rock and heavy metal space.
“I’m proud of that because these are my people.”
5FDP also has a large following in the military and first responder communities. Aside from their many hits, they are known for their support of veterans and firefighters through donations to the Call of Duty Endowment fund, doing other fundraisers through their music, and Báthory has served on boards for groups like the Home Deployment Project.
“When I get a military guy telling me, ‘It’s difficult to be in a war zone. But I got up every day and listened to you guys, and it not just got me ready for the day, it got me through the day.’ That kind of gives us a justification that we’re doing something good. So, it also keeps us going. I love it.”
HIS LOVE AND EFFORTS FOR JUDO
Báthory’s love for music and working out may only be rivaled by his passion for judo. Growing up in Hungary, judo in his home country was more popular than it is in North America. He first started following the discipline at age 9 and was entering tournaments before becoming a teenager. Báthory felt that taking up judo has done far more for him than improving his skills alone.
“I can say and I can claim that that philosophy of judo was one of the key elements of me becoming successful,” he explained. “It rewires your mind, and you start to think very differently.”
Báthory still makes time to train and actively competes in tournaments to this day. He has also taken up jiujitsu and reports having black belts in both disciplines. But he is not only trying to be better in martial arts but for it as well. Judo is an Olympic sport, and athletes internationally are very committed to excelling in it. The American judo scene is not as prominent as it is in other countries, but Báthory is trying to change that and wants to help those Americans looking to compete in the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles, California.
“I’ve worked with USA Judo and IJF (International Judo Federation). It’s one of my missions to make judo more visible in America, for more people to practice it.”
Báthory’s passion and commitment to his mission is more than moral support and advocacy. He has even made a financial commitment to this goal.
“I want the American team to do really well in judo. I’m even financially supporting the judo team. A portion of the tickets of this tour is actually going to USA Judo so they can afford the participation in training camps.”
THE NEXT 20 YEARS
Even though they have two decades behind them, 5FDP is as popular as ever, and tickets to their shows have already been selling fast. Like any elite band, they have had their shares of growing pains and critics, but the loyal fanbase and joy they get from creating music and performing it continues to fuel their desire.
Báthory has as much love and appreciation for their supporters as they do for the band. That’s because of the communities those fans are in; military, first responders, athletes, martial arts, and others who are looking for something positive to lean on. Báthory proclaimed that 5FDP will continue to make music and do their best to support their fans not only because they support them but because of what they do.
“What is the common denominator between these people? They all help other people.”
You can learn more about 5FDP, their tour, and Legacy by going to their website and subscribing to their YouTube channel.
Follow Báthory on Instagram @zoltanbathory and @zoltanbjj.
