Some of the punk rock community is not standing by idly as the former President – the 34 times convicted felon returned to 1600. FOTUS (felon of the United States) brought his dangerous, incompetent, and hate-spreading MAGA yes men and women in to dismantle civil and human rights, with promises to further whitewash history and hurt the poor and vulnerable. So far, he has allowed one un-elected billionaire to throw up Nazi salutes and take control of the federal agencies with a cadre of young racist minions. Project 2025 is being put into effect as we speak.
So in the spirit of Joe Strummer and the Clash, the Specials, and many other railing against British Prime Minster Margaret Thatcher, and their American counterparts Dead Kennedys, MDC, and others taking on US President Ronald Reagan, the antifascist mantle is once again being raised. In truth, it never was wholly put down. It’s just being raised higher, more loudly and more frequently. It promises to continue indefinitely, which is a spark of light in the seemingly overwhelming darkness.
Punkerton Records very purposely released “Rock Against Trump Vol 1” on Inauguration Day, January 20, 2025, which also happened to be MLK Jr. Day. The digital album has 65 tracks from a wide variety of bands, including but not limited to, Blind Adam and the Federal League, Coxey’s Army, Feral Housecats, 77 Lies, Modern, Angst, Recession Proof, and The Boy Detective.
The label posted on its Bandcamp page: Punkerton Records is committed to amplifying voices for civil liberties and human rights. We stand in solidarity with marginalized communities and actively oppose all forms of discrimination and oppression. The election may be over, but our resistance and dedication to justice persist.We proudly support organizations dedicated to defending civil rights and providing essential resources. All profits from Digital sales and future cd sales will be equally divided among these advocacy groups. Organizations we support:ACLU – American Civil Liberties Union,The Innocence Project,Planned Parenthood;PRSL – Punk Rock Saves Lives,Six Feet Over,The Trevor Project
Garden State heroes Bouncing Souls have long been advocating for their community. This year, the band teamed up with Safe Scene NJ, a charity that focuses its work on harm reduction and community education. Per its site:
Through our experience, we have recognized a crucial requirement in our community for initiatives that prioritize harm reduction, establish safe environments, and provide access to vital safety, wellness, and addiction support services. Our dedication lies in advocating for well-being, and nurturing a harm-reducing environment not only in the music scene but also extending beyond it.”
Bouncing Souls and Safe Scene NJ collaborated on a t-shirt (the back of which is pictured above and was designed by School Drugs‘ Josh Jurk) o benefit the organization. In addition, $5.00 from each shirt sale is being donated to the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey. While this fundraiser is now closed, the important works of Safe Scene NJ and ACLU NJ continue. Per the latter’s mission statement on its website:
For over 60 years, the ACLU of New Jersey has defended liberty and justice guided by the vision of a fair and equitable New Jersey for all. Our mission is to preserve, advance, and extend the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to every New Jerseyan by the state and federal constitutions in courts, in the legislature, and in our communities.
In every facet of our work, we strive to be anti-racist and are actively committed to advancing racial justice in the institutions of New Jersey, for the people of New Jersey. We aim to center the voices and lived experiences of those who historically have not been fully protected by government systems or laws.
Musician Drew Prez is also raising funds for the ACLU. Part of the proceeds from a line of anti-fascist merchandise. There are hoodies and t-shirt stating “Punks Against Fascism” as well as others advising us all to “Kindly Fuck Fascism.”
Back to the music: Westworld Magazine recently posted “10 Anti-Trump Songs by Denver Musicians.” The list includes “Trumpty Dumpty,” by pop-punkers Battle Pussy, and “Trump Roast” by Cheap Perfume.
As the Rock Against Trump Vol 1 album demonstrates there are quite a few bands speaking out against fascism.
There are two bands in particular which have spent the last several years voicing opposition to the encroaching fascism, and the estimated 50,000 Palestinian deaths in Gaza. The first is the aforementioned Blind Adam and The Federal League. It is one of the groups leading the charge in Chicago. Not only are the members speaking out on stage, but they did so in the Palestine solidarity encampments that arose last year on college campuses, including those in the Chicago area. The band has also been very outspoken about police brutality, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities, and a wide variety of related issues.
NoTrigger, out of Worcester, MA, has also been in the forefront when it comes to the cause of a Free Palestine and anti-fascism. No Trigger has also called out veteran punk groups for not speaking out.
Mark Andersen, founder of Positive Force DC, has been fighting in the trenches for four decades. The group has a Kickstarter to support Positive Force DC 40th Anniversary Gathering Five Days of Music, Protest, Service, Community and Education, June 19-23, 2025. Be on the lookout for a more extensive feature/interview with Andersen as the event draws closer.
Those listed here are just a small sampling of punks doing good by fighting back against fascism, Trump, and the MAGA movement. As the horrors we see daily in and on the news continue, we can hope many others will be inspired to step up, stand up, and fight back. We at Dying Scene stand in solidarity. Please let us know of others!
Oh, and as far as Sex Pistols’ Johnny Rotten simping for MAGA, well, in the words of the Dead Kennedys: Nazi Punks Fuck Off.