My Chemical Romance guitarist Frank Iero recently opened up about a surprising encounter with the FBI linked to his music. Fans were left astonished when Iero revealed that he was placed on a watchlist due to a song released by his hardcore punk band, Leathermouth, titled “I Am Going to Kill the President of the United States of America.” The provocative lyrics, which include lines like, “I’d shed your blood to save the world,” caught the attention of federal authorities.
The incident occurred after the song’s release, prompting government agents to visit Iero. He recounted the experience, stating, “The government comes to your house, searches everything and talks to your wife for hours.” Iero described the agents as having a “Men In Black vibe,” wearing dark suits and sunglasses. He noted that the encounter felt surreal, stating, “I thought they were going to do the mind-erase thing.”
During the investigation, Iero was questioned about the motivations behind the song. “I told them the truth,” he recalled. The guitarist explained that he wrote the song while on tour with My Chemical Romance, inspired by the anti-American sentiment he observed at rallies. “It wasn’t from my personal point of view – it was just from someone who sees warmongering going on,” he clarified.
Despite his explanations, Iero faced serious consequences. He was warned that if he performed or re-released the controversial track, he could face time in federal prison. “I’m married and I want to have kids. I don’t want to go to jail for five years,” he said, reflecting on the weight of the situation.
Fans had mixed reactions to this revelation. Some expressed admiration for Iero’s punk spirit, with one commenter on social media stating, “Frank is also my favorite… he’s punk as f—!!!” Others showed appreciation for Leathermouth, saying, “I love Leathermouth! Thank you for talking about them.” One fan humorously noted that two of their favorite bands, Leathermouth and The Monkees, had both been investigated by the FBI.
The interview with Iero was featured in Alternative Press, providing insights into the intersection of music and politics. As the music landscape continues to evolve, stories like Iero’s highlight the complexities artists face when expressing their views through their work.
For fans of My Chemical Romance and Leathermouth, this incident serves as a reminder of the potential impact of artistic expression in today’s world.
