Rough Francis: The Punk Rock Voice of Resistance
In the final days of 2016, as the first Trump administration loomed, former Black Flag vocalist Henry Rollins took to social media with a battle cry for the disillusioned masses. He urged defiance and action, invoking punk icons like Joe Strummer and The Clash as beacons of inspiration. Amidst a wave of political turmoil and uncertainty, Rollins’ call to arms resonated deeply, setting the stage for a new era of punk rock resistance.
Fast forward to 2025, with Trump back in the Oval Office and the political landscape more tumultuous than ever. I found myself eagerly awaiting the artistic response, particularly within the punk scene. While social media battles raged between Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong and tech mogul Elon Musk, I yearned for something more substantial than virtual sparring matches. Little did I realize that the answer was right in my backyard, in the form of Burlington’s own Rough Francis.
Comprised of the talented Hackney brothers—Bobby Jr., Julian, and Urian—alongside bassist Tyler Bolles, Rough Francis emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the punk rock realm. Initially formed as a tribute to their father’s band, Detroit proto-punk rockers Death, Rough Francis quickly carved out a unique identity of their own. Their latest offering, the Fall EP, is a blistering four-song manifesto of fury and defiance, set to shake the foundations of the punk genre.
Having had the privilege of listening to the EP ahead of its official release, I can attest to its raw power and intensity. From the searing opener “Great to Be Alive” to the poignant closer “Moving Backwards,” Rough Francis pulls no punches in their lyrical assault on social injustices and political corruption. Frontman Bobby Jr., the band’s lyricist, channels his personal experiences as a Black man in America into a potent blend of rage and resilience.
Sitting down with Bobby over coffee in Burlington, he shared insights into the driving force behind Rough Francis’ music. For him, the anger and frustration that permeate the EP are not merely a reaction to the current administration but a reflection of a lifetime of marginalization and discrimination. Growing up as one of the few Black kids in Underhill, Bobby faced his fair share of prejudice and isolation, which fueled his creative expression.
Recalling his high school days, Bobby revealed how the song “Not a Nice Guy” from Rough Francis’ earlier album served as a cathartic release for the racial tensions he endured. It was the punk and skateboarding communities that embraced him, offering a sense of belonging and camaraderie amidst societal alienation. The spirit of rebellion and solidarity he found in these subcultures continues to shape Rough Francis’ ethos to this day.
The band’s journey took a dramatic turn in 2021 when they confronted allegations of one of their members attending the infamous Capitol insurrection. The ensuing fallout led to a lineup change, with Bolles joining the ranks as the new bassist. This revitalized lineup brought a renewed sense of purpose and direction to Rough Francis, paving the way for a sonic evolution.
Embracing the hardcore punk roots of bands like Minor Threat and Bad Brains, Rough Francis set out to craft a record that paid homage to their influences while forging a distinctive sound of their own. The result is Fall EP, a visceral and unapologetic homage to punk and hardcore music, laden with dark, uncompromising energy. Led by Julian’s searing guitar work and Urian’s powerhouse drumming, the band delivers a tour de force of sonic intensity.
As the band gears up for their EP release show at Higher Ground, Bobby sees the event as more than just a concert—it’s a statement of solidarity and resistance. Featuring a lineup of diverse and politically charged acts, the show promises to be a rallying cry for the disenfranchised and marginalized. Rough Francis invites their audience to join them in a space where voices are heard, and spirits are lifted in defiance of the status quo.
With plans for a fall tour on the horizon, Rough Francis is poised to take their message of rebellion and resilience to audiences far and wide. As the world grapples with uncertainty and unrest, their music serves as a beacon of hope and defiance. In the words of Bobby Jr., “We want people to know that Rough Francis is with them.” So, let the punk rock revolution begin.
