Fans of My Chemical Romance were taken aback upon learning that guitarist Frank Iero experienced a visit from the FBI due to the provocative nature of his music. Since joining the band in 2002, Iero has also been involved in various side projects, notably the hardcore punk band Leathermouth. It was this band’s controversial song, titled “I Am Going to Kill the President of the United States of America,” that landed him on a federal watchlist.
The song features aggressive lyrics, including lines such as, “I’d shed your blood to save the world / You’re living a lie straight to hell.” Following its release, Iero recounted an unsettling encounter with government agents who visited his home and even spoke with family members. “The government comes to your house, searches everything and talks to your wife for hours,” Iero explained. “Then you have to get a real expensive attorney to keep you out of prison for five years.”
In an interview with Alternative Press, Iero described the atmosphere during his interaction with the Secret Service. He noted, “I had a long talk with the gentlemen of the Secret Service. Straight-up dark suits, sunglasses, Men In Black vibe. I thought they were going to do the mind-erase thing.” During this questioning, agents inquired about his motivations for writing the song.
Iero clarified, “I was on tour with My Chemical Romance at the time, and every time I turned around, there were Anti-American rallies. I wrote a song from the standpoint of the rest of the world. It wasn’t from my personal point of view – it was just from someone who sees warmongering going on.”
The title of the song, according to Iero, was intentionally direct. He believed that its provocative nature was crucial to its message. Despite his explanations, he faced repercussions; he was warned that performing or re-releasing the song could result in federal prison time. “I’m married and I want to have kids. I don’t want to go to jail for five years,” he remarked, indicating his decision to heed this warning.
The revelation about Iero’s past has sparked a lively discussion among fans online. Many expressed their admiration for him and his music. One fan commented, “Frank is also my favorite… he’s punk as f—!!!” Another added, “I love Leathermouth! Thank you for talking about them,” while a third quipped, “It’s so interesting. Every band I get into gets investigated by the FBI.”
As the story circulates on platforms like YouTube, fans continue to engage with Iero’s narrative, reflecting on the broader implications of artistic expression and its intersection with government scrutiny. The discussion highlights the challenges artists may face in a politically charged climate, especially when their work elicits strong reactions.
This incident serves as a reminder of the often complex relationship between art and authority, as well as the personal risks artists may encounter in expressing their views. With Iero’s candid reflections, fans gain insight not only into his music but also into the realities of navigating a world where creativity and politics collide.
