By Fat Wreck Chords
June 25, 2025 | San Francisco

In an unexpected twist that has sent shockwaves through the punk rock community, Fat Mike, the legendary frontman of NOFX and co-founder of Fat Wreck Chords, has officially begun stepping away from the iconic label he built over three decades ago. The move has sparked widespread speculation over the future of the label, long considered one of the last bastions of true punk independence.

Founded in 1990 by Fat Mike and Erin Burkett, Fat Wreck Chords has been home to some of the most influential punk bands of the modern era, including Lagwagon, Strung Out, Propagandhi, Against Me!, Bad Cop/Bad Cop, and, of course, NOFX.

But now, it appears that era may be coming to a close.

 A Quiet Exit

In recent months, Fat Mike has taken a step back from label operations, focusing instead on his new experimental imprint, Bottles to the Ground. This fresh sub-label—described as “punk weirdness meets creative freedom”—has become his latest passion project, featuring acts like The Meffs, Melvinator, and even Mike himself under various aliases.

Most notably, Mike will not be producing the upcoming Bad Cop/Bad Cop album, a sharp departure from tradition. The band’s album, due July 11, 2025, will be the first major Fat Wreck release without his direct involvement in years.

Acquisition Rumors

Industry insiders are now whispering that Hopeless Records—another powerhouse in the alternative scene—has begun talks to acquire Fat Wreck Chords or at least absorb part of its roster.

While no official statement has been released, several clues have fueled the speculation:

• Distribution shifts noticed by fans
• Trademark filings related to “Fat Wreck Legacy”
• And most shockingly, Fat Mike’s own cryptic quotes during press interviews

Fat Mike Breaks His Silence

Speaking in a candid podcast interview earlier this year, Fat Mike dropped this bombshell quote:

“I’ve done everything I wanted to do with Fat Wreck. It’s time for someone else to take the wheel—or maybe let the car crash. I’m tired.”

That statement, layered with typical Fat Mike sarcasm, carried the heavy weight of finality.

 A Label That Defined a Generation

For fans around the world, Fat Wreck Chords has been more than a label — it’s been a movement, a family, and a symbol of musical resistance. Unlike other indie labels that gradually folded under industry pressure, Fat Wreck held firm to its punk ethos: no contracts, total creative control, and no corporate interference.

The idea that it could now fall under the wing of a larger label—or disappear entirely—is almost unthinkable to the punk faithful.

What Happens Next?

While Fat Wreck Chords has not released an official statement, several scenarios are now on the table:

• A full or partial acquisition by Hopeless Records
• A gradual phasing out of Fat Wreck’s operations
• A transition to Bottles to the Ground as the new flagship for Fat Mike’s creative vision
• Artists either remaining on the roster under new leadership, or leaving to find new homes

With NOFX retired, Fat Mike stepping away, and the punk scene evolving rapidly, this may truly be the final chapter for one of punk’s most iconic labels. And while the future remains uncertain, one thing is clear: the impact of Fat Wreck Chords will live on in every garage band, DIY tour, and rebellious lyric it helped inspire.