Some of the most anti-establishment musicians—from Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistols to Billy Corgan, Michale Graves, and even Kid Rock—have come out in support of Donald Trump. But why?

In this episode of Disruptarian Radio, we break down:
✅ Why punk and metal icons see Trump as the ultimate anti-establishment figure
✅ How Johnny Rotten (John Lydon) defends his pro-Trump stance
✅ The massive backlash against artists like Ariel Pink, Jesse Hughes, and Zoltan Bathory
✅ How political rebellion in music has shifted over time
✅ The role of free speech, cancel culture, and the new anti-establishment movement

*Inspired by this conversation, we wrote the song *“Rotten to the Core”—a deep dive into punk rebellion in modern politics!

Join the discussion! Are these artists true rebels, or have they sold out? Drop a comment below!

 

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WordPress Excerpt:

What happens when punk rock’s biggest names—from Johnny Rotten to Billy Corgan and Michale Graves—support Donald Trump? The anti-establishment movement has shifted, and some of music’s most outspoken rebels now see Trump as a true disruptor of the political elite. This article explores why these musicians align with Trump, how they’ve faced industry backlash, and what it means for the future of political diversity in music. Is this the new counterculture?

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Punk Rock Rebels for Trump? Why Anti-Establishment Musicians Are Defying Expectations

Introduction: The Punk Rock Paradox

For decades, punk rock and heavy metal have been synonymous with anti-establishment rebellion. But in recent years, some of the most legendary musicians from these genres have openly supported Donald Trump—a move that seems contradictory to many.

How did we get here? Why are figures like Johnny Rotten (Sex Pistols), Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins), and Michale Graves (Misfits) defending Trump? And what does this say about the shifting landscape of political rebellion in music?

Let’s dive into the controversy.

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Johnny Rotten: The Original Punk Rock Rebel Supports Trump?

One of the most shocking names on this list is John Lydon (a.k.a. Johnny Rotten)—the frontman of The Sex Pistols, the band that essentially defined punk rock rebellion.

“Trump is the only person challenging the system!” – Johnny Rotten

Lydon has repeatedly defended his stance, claiming that:
✔️ Trump is a true disruptor of the political elite
✔️ Trump represents working-class values—the same demographic punk music was built for
✔️ Supporting Trump is actually the most rebellious thing you can do today

Backlash? Of course. Many fans accused him of selling out, but Lydon insists he’s staying true to punk’s core values: challenging authority and refusing to conform.

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Billy Corgan: Smashing Pumpkins’ Frontman vs. the Establishment

Billy Corgan, frontman of The Smashing Pumpkins, describes himself as a free-market libertarian who absolutely despises mainstream media narratives.

✔️ He’s been outspoken about his distrust of political elites
✔️ He’s criticized the cancel culture movement as a threat to free speech
✔️ He believes Trump represents individualism over political conformity

Corgan has faced less public backlash than Johnny Rotten, but his views still place him in stark contrast with the traditionally left-leaning music industry.

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Ariel Pink & Michale Graves: The Industry Fallout

Ariel Pink

• Attended Trump’s January 2021 rally
• Lost record deals and industry partnerships
• Remained firm in his support for Trump despite severe backlash

Michale Graves (Misfits)

• Openly supports Trump’s stance on free speech & American values
• Defends Trump’s policies as aligned with punk’s rebellious spirit

Both artists paid a high price for their political views, proving that challenging mainstream industry narratives comes with consequences.

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Jesse Hughes, Kid Rock, & Trump’s Friends in Metal

The metal scene has also seen its share of Trump supporters, including:

Jesse Hughes (Eagles of Death Metal) – Pro-Trump, pro-Second Amendment
Kid Rock – A personal friend of Trump, outspoken on cancel culture
Zoltan Bathory (Five Finger Death Punch) – Supports Trump’s military policies
Ted Nugent – One of Trump’s most dedicated supporters

These musicians aren’t just vocal supporters—many have actively performed at Trump rallies and spoken out against industry censorship and political bias.

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Why Are These Musicians Taking This Risk?

Most artists cite three key reasons for their support:

1️⃣ Freedom of Expression – Many believe Trump represents a fight against censorship and political correctness.
2️⃣ Opposition to Government Overreach – They see Trump as a bulwark against establishment control.
3️⃣ Economic & Tax Policies – Some, like Kid Rock and Gene Simmons, support Trump’s pro-business tax cuts.

But the biggest theme? They see Trump as an anti-establishment figure—something punk and metal were always meant to support.

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The Backlash: A Divided Fanbase

This political divide in music is reshaping the industry:
✔️ Some fans have boycotted these artists entirely
✔️ Others have rallied behind them, embracing the idea of a new counterculture

Regardless of where you stand, it’s clear that punk’s definition of rebellion is evolving.

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Final Thoughts: Is Trump the Most Punk Rock President Ever?

Johnny Rotten once said that punk was about challenging power and rejecting the establishment.
Today, many see Trump as the ultimate disruptor—fighting against media, political elites, and corporate control.

Does this make Trump the most punk rock president ever?

Drop a comment below and join the discussion!

Read More at: https://disruptarian.com/category/podcast/

And a previous post about musicians who support Donald Trump

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When you hear the name Bob Marley, your mind likely drifts to visions of Jamaica, Rastafarian ideals, and songs like “No Woman, No Cry” or “Three Little Birds” floating on a warm tropical breeze. But here’s a curveball: Marley had a strong connection to skinhead reggae, a British subgenre steeped in the working-class struggle of 1960s Britain.

This unexpected link involves the trailblazing Desmond Dekker, the rebellious skinhead youth culture, and even punk icon Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistols. Let’s dive deep into this remarkable narrative that ties Marley’s legacy to an unlikely audience—and why it still fascinates music fans today.

Watch this episode on youtube

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The Birth of Skinhead Reggae

Before “skinhead” became synonymous with certain negative connotations, it was the moniker for a British youth subculture rooted in unity and style. Emerging in the late 1960s, skinheads were predominantly working-class kids—often the children of Jamaican immigrants—who found camaraderie in the vibrant sounds of ska, rocksteady, and reggae.

Artists like Desmond Dekker, Prince Buster, and The Maytals provided the soundtrack for these kids’ lives. Their songs were raw, rhythmic, and spoke directly to the challenges of everyday existence. For skinheads, reggae was more than music—it was a unifying force.

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Desmond Dekker: The Bridge to Bob Marley

One of the first Jamaican artists to break into the British mainstream was Desmond Dekker, whose hits like “Israelites” and “007 (Shanty Town)” captured hearts worldwide. But Dekker wasn’t just a pioneer—he played a pivotal role in Bob Marley’s career.

Back in the early 1960s, Marley and the Wailers were a struggling group, hustling to find their place in Jamaica’s competitive music scene. Dekker, already an established artist, saw Marley’s potential and helped him secure critical industry connections.

The influence of skinhead reggae on Marley’s early works is palpable. Tracks like “Simmer Down” and “Rude Boy” echo the driving rhythms and storytelling essence of Dekker’s style. The connection between the two wasn’t just professional; it was spiritual—a passing of the torch between generations of Jamaican talent.

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Marley Meets the British Skinheads

As Marley’s career began to soar, so did the popularity of reggae among British youth. By the late 1960s, Jamaican immigrants had firmly rooted their culture in cities like London, Birmingham, and Manchester. Their music resonated with the working-class skinheads, who embraced reggae’s themes of resilience, unity, and rebellion.

In 1970, Marley’s “Duppy Conqueror” became a cult favorite among British skinheads. Its rhythmic punch and message of triumph over adversity struck a chord with a generation that felt neglected and misunderstood.

What’s fascinating is that Marley wasn’t explicitly catering to this audience—but his music transcended borders and found a home wherever people craved authenticity and soul.

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Enter Johnny Rotten: The Punky Reggae Connection

By the late 1970s, reggae had undergone a transformation, and Marley was an international superstar. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, Britain was experiencing a cultural upheaval in the form of punk rock.

At first glance, punk and reggae might seem like odd bedfellows. One was all about snarling rebellion and leather jackets, while the other radiated spiritual introspection and laid-back vibes. But both genres were deeply rooted in resistance—punk challenged societal norms, while reggae spoke out against systemic oppression.

Enter Johnny Rotten (a.k.a. John Lydon), lead singer of the Sex Pistols and a former traditional skinhead. Rotten was a vocal admirer of Marley’s music, recognizing its raw honesty and powerful social message. Marley, in turn, appreciated punk’s defiance of authority, seeing it as a parallel to reggae’s revolutionary spirit.

This mutual respect culminated in Marley’s iconic song “Punky Reggae Party”, written after Marley attended punk shows in London. With lyrics that name-checked bands like The Damned, The Clash, and The Jam, the track celebrated the unlikely alliance between reggae and punk.

For a deeper look at Marley’s collaboration with Johnny Rotten, check out this excellent article: Bob Marley, Johnny Rotten, and the Story of the Punky Reggae Party.

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Why This Connection Still Surprises

The idea of Marley’s music resonating with British skinheads still confounds many. Perhaps it’s because the term “skinhead” has been tainted by its later association with far-right extremism. But the original skinhead culture was about unity, multiculturalism, and solidarity—values that aligned perfectly with Marley’s message.

Moreover, Marley’s transformation into a global icon overshadowed his earlier connections to niche movements like skinhead reggae. Most people know the Marley of “Legend” fame, not the Marley whose gritty tracks inspired British youth to skank their cares away in dimly lit clubs.

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The Legacy of Marley and Skinhead Reggae

So, why does this chapter of Marley’s life matter? For one, it highlights the universal appeal of his music. From Trenchtown to London, Marley’s songs connected with people from all walks of life, breaking down cultural barriers along the way.

It also underscores the transformative power of music. In a time of division and uncertainty, Marley’s ability to unite disparate groups—Jamaican Rastas, British skinheads, and punk rockers—remains a testament to the enduring impact of his art.

And let’s not forget the influence Marley’s music had on the skinhead reggae genre itself. By bridging the gap between Jamaican roots and British subculture, he helped create a rich musical dialogue that continues to inspire artists today.

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A Final Toast to Bob Marley

As we wrap up this tale of cultural exchange and rebellion, let’s raise a virtual pint to Marley, Dekker, and the pioneers of skinhead reggae. Their collaboration wasn’t just a footnote in music history—it was a movement that brought people together in celebration of resilience, love, and defiance.

Next time you spin “Punky Reggae Party“ or catch yourself humming a Desmond Dekker classic, remember the winding road that brought Marley’s music to the pubs and clubs of Britain. It’s a story of unlikely alliances, shared struggles, and the unbreakable bond of great music.

Or, as Marley himself once said: “One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.”

And for the skinheads, punks, and reggae fans who found solace in his songs, truer words were never spoken. Cheers to that.

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John Lydon, famously known as Johnny Rotten, has always been a provocateur. As the frontman of the Sex Pistols, he symbolized rebellion against the establishment, giving a voice to disillusioned youth in the late ’70s. His allegiance to the working class and disdain for authority became cornerstones of punk ethos. Yet, decades later, his vocal support for Donald Trump and Brexit has left fans scratching their heads. What could lead the original punk icon to align with populist movements?

Watch on youtube

 

A Rebel Without Political Boundaries

Lydon’s early career painted him as a champion of the left. Aligning with working-class ideals, unions, and the anti-establishment fervor of his era, he gave punk its snarling identity. But Lydon was never one for boxes. Even in his most fiery days, he resisted aligning fully with any political ideology. “You either understand what I’m doing, or you don’t,” he famously remarked.

This reluctance to embrace dogma foreshadowed the evolution of his political views. In the late 2000s, cracks in his alignment with leftist ideology began to emerge. Lydon criticized growing political correctness and cancel culture within the arts. When faced with backlash for performing in Israel, his defiance was clear: “I support people, not governments.”

From Obama to Trump: A Journey of Contradictions

In the Obama era, Lydon expressed admiration for the Affordable Care Act, likening it to the UK’s National Health Service, which had saved his life. He even viewed Hillary Clinton as a preferable choice to Donald Trump in the 2016 election. But Lydon’s resistance to rigid political labels persisted, and his growing disdain for what he perceived as the authoritarian tendencies of modern leftism paved the way for his support of Trump and Brexit.

“I’m working-class English,” Lydon explained, defending his support for Trump. “It makes complete sense to vote for a person who actually talks about my kind of people.” He saw Trump’s populist rhetoric as a voice for those marginalized by elitist politics—a sentiment echoed in his support for Brexit, which he viewed as a reclaiming of national identity by everyday people.

Cancel Culture and Wokeism: A New Establishment

Lydon’s criticism of cancel culture and wokeism further underscores his shift. To him, these modern movements represent a new form of authoritarianism, where dissent is silenced and groupthink prevails. “It used to be the right that was intolerant,” he observed, “but now the left is just as bad.” For Lydon, punk wasn’t about towing the line—it was about questioning everything.

In his view, the modern left’s focus on political correctness and identity politics alienates the working class. He takes issue with ideologies he sees as disconnected from human nature and grounded in elitist intellectualism.

Still Punk at Heart

Despite the controversy, Lydon’s journey reflects the very spirit of punk: the freedom to think for oneself. Whether railing against Thatcher in the ’70s or questioning modern woke culture, Lydon’s philosophy has remained consistent: challenge authority, question conformity, and refuse to be silenced.

Love him or hate him, John Lydon has never been afraid to ruffle feathers. His alignment with Trump and Brexit may seem like a betrayal of punk ideals, but perhaps it’s the ultimate expression of them—a refusal to let anyone, on the left or right, dictate his beliefs. As Lydon himself put it: “Let all those that follow the nonsense sink with that ship.”

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Punk’s Rebel Roots: Sex Pistols’ Impact!

Punk rock, a genre of music that originated in the 1970s, is known for its rebellious and anti-establishment attitude. The Sex Pistols, a band from London, England, are considered the pioneers of the punk movement and their impact on the world of music is undeniable. Their raw and unfiltered sound, combined with their provocative lyrics and attitude, changed the music industry forever.

The Birth of a Musical Revolution: Punk’s Rebel Roots!

The punk movement emerged in the mid-1970s as a response to the mainstream music scene, which was dominated by commercial bands with polished and manufactured sound. Punk rock was a reaction against this, with its raw and aggressive sound, and lyrics that challenged societal norms and values. The Sex Pistols, formed in 1975, quickly became the symbol of this new movement with their anti-establishment attitude and rebellious spirit.

Punk rock was not just about the music, but also about the lifestyle and fashion. The punk subculture was associated with leather jackets, ripped jeans, and spiky hair, and it was a way for young people to express themselves and rebel against the status quo. The Sex Pistols embodied this punk spirit with their outrageous behavior, controversial lyrics, and provocative fashion.

How the Sex Pistols Changed the World of Music Forever!

The Sex Pistols’ impact on the world of music cannot be overstated. They paved the way for punk and alternative rock bands that came after them, and their influence can still be heard in music today. Their debut album, “Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols,” is considered one of the greatest albums of all time and it has inspired generations of musicians.

The Sex Pistols were not just a band, they were a cultural phenomenon. Their rebellious attitude and provocative lyrics challenged societal norms and values, and they became the voice of a generation. They influenced not just music, but also fashion, art, and politics. The Sex Pistols’ impact on the world of music is a testament to the power of rebellion and the importance of challenging the status quo.

In conclusion, the Sex Pistols were more than a band, they were a symbol of rebellion and the pioneers of a musical revolution. Their impact on the world of music is still felt today, and their legacy continues to inspire future generations of musicians. The Sex Pistols’ rebel roots are a reminder that music has the power to challenge the status quo and change the world. So, turn up the volume, and let the punk rock spirit live on!