Fat Wreck Chords has completed the sale of the label's catalog to Hopeless Records. Both labels have a long-running relationship, as described by the partners.
As part of the deal, all bands on Fat's roster will have their balances wipes for a fresh start. Additionally, no new artists will be signed to the label post-sale. While the catalog/roster has been sold, Fat Wreck Chords founders Michael John Burkett (Fat Mike)
and Erin Kelly-Burkett will retain the name, logo, and trademark.
We've included statements from the partners below.
Fat Wreck Chords is known for releasing albums by NOFX, Lagwagon, Against Me!, Rise Against, Propagandhi, and more. Hopeless has released the likes of Avenged Sevenfold, All Time Low, Taking Back Sunday, Yellowcard, and The Used.
The first official collaboration includes three new albums.
Bad Cop Bad Cop will release their first album in five years, followed by NOFX's A to H, a 3-part series of demos and rarities, followed by a 20th anniversary edition of Strung Out’s Exile in Oblivion, which includes a brand new single called “Glass Houses,” written and recorded in the spirit of the original album.
2025 marks the 35th anniversary of the Fat Wreck Chords.
(SPB attended a 25th anniversary show 10 years ago.)
Read more
Per the press release
The partnership is the result of a long-standing connection between Fat Wreck Chords and Hopeless. In 1992, a young music video director named Louis Posen cold-called Fat Mike to direct a video for NOFX’s "Bob." The two became friends, and when Louis began to lose his eyesight and shifted careers from film to music, Fat Mike and Erin welcomed him into the Fat Wreck Chords office, helping him learn the ropes of running an independent label. Hopeless was born the following year. Without Fat Wreck Chords, there would be no Hopeless.
Per Louis Posen (Hopeless)
The opportunity to lead the history, catalog, and roster of Fat Wreck Chords into the future, alongside Mike and Erin, is the honour and privilege of my 30-year career. We are incredibly grateful that Mike and Erin have entrusted the Hopeless team to care for their 35 years of passion and hard work.
I vividly recall purchasing NOFX's The Longest Line vinyl from Aron's Records, Hollywood, in 1992. Just a year later, I found myself directing a music video for NOFX, and then directing a video for Lagwagon. I remember sitting at West Beach Studios with Mike, listening to Propagandhi record ‘How to Clean Everything.’ Now, 30 years later, I am humbled to carry forward that incredible legacy.
I don’t know when it will fully sink in, but we are deeply committed to honouring and continuing the remarkable history of Fat Wreck Chords.
Per Fat Mike (Fat Wreck Chords)
After talking to so many different labels to partner with over the past 3 years, Erin and I realized that Hopeless was the only choice. We’ve been friends with Louis for over 30 years and he is someone who always seems to doing things for the greater good. I completely trust his ethics and acumen with the legacy of Fat Wreck Chords.
Per Erin Kelly-Burkett (Fat Wreck Chords)
While this is one of the biggest decisions I’ve ever made, it is also one of the most exciting. FAT has been my baby for 35 years. To me, it’s more than a label; it’s a community, a home, and a legacy built from the ground up. Louis understands that, and I can't think of anyone better than Hopeless to carry FAT forward. As a true fan, Louis knows firsthand what FAT is all about, and will build on the foundation Mike and I laid with care and respect. These bands are my family, and I know they’re in good hands with the Hopeless family.
