Fans of the rock band My Chemical Romance were taken aback by revelations regarding guitarist Frank Iero and his unexpected encounter with the FBI. Iero, who joined the band in 2002, faced scrutiny due to his side project, the hardcore punk band Leathermouth. The controversy stemmed from a song titled “I Am Going to Kill the President of the United States of America,” which prompted federal authorities to take action.
The provocative lyrics of the song include lines such as, “I’d shed your blood to save the world / You’re living a lie straight to hell.” Following its release, Iero reported a visit from government agents, who even reached out to his family. “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 recounted his interactions with the Secret Service, describing them as “straight-up dark suits, sunglasses, Men In Black vibe.” The guitarist expressed his surprise at the seriousness of the situation, saying, “I thought they were going to do the mind-erase thing.” During the questioning, agents inquired about his motivations for writing the song. Iero clarified that he wrote it while touring with My Chemical Romance, observing numerous Anti-American rallies. “It wasn’t from my personal point of view – it was just from someone who sees warmongering going on,” he noted.
Iero acknowledged that the song’s title was intentionally provocative. “It’s as blatant as humanly possible, because I wanted it to be that way.” Despite this explanation, he faced restrictions on performing the track. He revealed that he was warned that any further performance or re-release of the song could lead to a federal prison sentence. “I’m married and I want to have kids. I don’t want to go to jail for five years,” he stated, indicating he chose to heed the warning.
The story surrounding Iero’s experience has sparked discussions among fans online. Many took to social media platforms, expressing their astonishment and support. 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 remarked on the peculiar trend of their favorite bands facing FBI investigations.
This incident highlights the complex relationship between artistic expression and governmental oversight, particularly in the realm of music. It raises questions about freedom of speech and the lengths to which artists may go to convey their messages. As fans continue to engage in discussions about Iero’s experience, it remains a significant moment in the intersection of music and politics.