Filter frontman Richard Patrick says years of death threats and harassment have largely driven him away from publicly discussing politics, despite previously being outspoken about his views.
During a recent appearance on Rocking With Jam Man, Patrick was asked whether artists have a responsibility to use their platforms for political commentary. While stressing that it should remain a personal choice, he praised outspoken figures such as Bono, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Morello, and Robert De Niro, but revealed that the fallout from his own experiences ultimately led him to retreat from that arena.
“No, I think it’s a personal choice, obviously, if someone wants to use their platform politically. But guys like Bono and Joe Strummer and Bruce Springsteen and Tom Morello and Robert De Niro, and people that speak out against the Trump administration, I think they’re incredibly brave. I’ve received death threats. So that’s why I’ve kind of silenced myself, because I don’t want… I have kids and… I was doxed, and there was a whole bunch of shit that went down that I don’t want to really talk about.”
Patrick went on to explain that the threats extended beyond himself, saying the safety of his family became a major concern.
“Filter‘s a big band and we’ve traveled the world over, but I can’t afford 24-hour security and that’s what Bono and Bruce Springsteen, luckily they have that. Because the death threats are real. You have to take them seriously.”
According to Patrick, anonymous accounts and online harassment have made the consequences of speaking out increasingly severe.
“Being outspoken is a dangerous thing these days, which is really sad. That’s really one of the things that pisses me off about this world we live in.”
When asked if artists face greater backlash today for expressing themselves honestly, Patrick didn’t hesitate.
“Absolutely. People want to say how they feel and they’re criticized for it by the other side, whether it’s right or wrong… the repercussions of just having a political opinion is a dangerous thing these days.”
These days, Patrick says he prefers to let the music speak for itself. Rather than addressing politics from the stage, he tries to focus on bringing audiences together.
“I don’t talk politics. I let the lyrics do the talking. I don’t preach from the stage. I don’t have a soapbox on the stage. I just try and bring everybody together.”
He added that he understands listeners may not always share the same beliefs as the artists they enjoy, pointing to his appreciation for Christian bands despite identifying as an atheist.
Patrick also offered a brief update on Filter’s next album, ‘The Antidote’, which he hopes to release in 2027. He described the effort as a thematic companion to 2023’s ‘The Algorithm’, saying the new material approaches things from a more hopeful perspective.
“It’s kind of similar to ‘The Algorithm’. That’s why I called it ‘The Antidote’, because it’s kind of coming in with solutions. And ‘The Algorithm’ was the problem, and ‘The Antidote’ is the solution.”
According to Patrick, the album will balance heavier moments with more melodic and atmospheric passages, continuing the sonic approach fans have come to expect from Filter.
If you’re rocking with The Mosh Network, hit the link and add us as a Preferred Source on Google. That’s the easiest way to keep our latest metal, hardcore, and alternative news, tours, and releases showing up directly in your feed.
