FBI Investigates Antifascist Punk Band POTBELLY Over Old Song “Throw the Brick”—Frontman Speaks Out

In a story that sounds more like a punk rock song than real life, the FBI has launched an investigation into Washington-based antifascist band POTBELLY—all over a track they released nearly six years ago.

The song, titled “Throw the Brick,” dropped during the early days of the first Trump administration via P.I.G. Records. It didn’t take long for the backlash to roll in. According to frontman Jason Robert R., the label received over 120 death threats in just the first week—mostly from far-right groups and neo-Nazi trolls.

“Of course, those fucking cowards are all talk,” Robert says. “Nothing ever came of it.”

But the story didn’t end there. A few years later, Throw the Brick caught the eye of Homeland Security, thanks to lyrics calling for a “violent revolution” and the removal of Trump and his “billionaire bigots.” The video was pulled from YouTube but eventually reinstated—albeit with an age restriction.

The song stirred up controversy again. After a string of political Facebook posts, a bit of morbid punk-style humor, and likely some online tattling, the track was once more reported to authorities. This time, it triggered a full-blown FBI investigation into Roberts and his political affiliations.

“I had to talk to a special agent, report my firearms, and now I’m under the watchful eyes of the FBI,” Roberts shared. “Luckily, the agent seemed to get that this is art, and that we still have freedom of speech… at least for now.”

Despite being advised to stop performing the song live, Roberts is defiant:
“WE WILL BE PLAYING THAT SONG regardless of any warnings.”

For now, POTBELLY’s music, online posts, and even phone calls are allegedly being monitored. Mathews didn’t hold back in his frustration with the situation, pointing out the irony:
“Trump and Musk are firing thousands, but somehow they can afford a full investigation into song lyrics from a little no-name band from Whidbey Island, WA.”

So… is this a case of national security or straight-up censorship? That probably depends on who you ask. But one thing’s for sure—punk’s not dead, and POTBELLY isn’t backing down.