Hardcore band Underoath loses its last original bandmate
Posted by The Skyliner on April 14th, 2010Taylor Edwards
Staff Writer
If anyone can be called a veteran member of a band, it is Aaron Gillespie, former drummer and clean vocalist of Christian metalcore group Underoath. Gillespie has been in the band for 13 years and released eight CDs with the band during that time. He first started playing for Underoath in 1997, when he was only 14 years old. This was a big step for Gillespie, who had grown up with people in his church telling him he had little talent with the drums.
For Underoath’s first two records, Act of Depression and Cries of the Past, Gillespie stuck with drumming only. But when their third album The Changing of Times was released, it featured Gillespie with clean vocals alongside his drumming. He has continued with this combination for the rest of Underoath’s records that have been released.
Throughout his time with Underoath, Gillespie has displayed amazing talent with his voice and drums. He is easily one of the favorite musicians of this past decade. For the past three or four years, he has also been juggling side project, The Almost, along with Underoath. This alternative rock band allows him to concentrate on his vocals and to explore a different musical side of himself.
Gillespie’s musical achievements are impressive, but there is more to him. Throughout his time on the music scene, he has shown himself to be a strong Christian who strives to follow God’s calling in his life. Because of Gillespie and the other members of Underoath, God’s word has been spread to thousands of fans all over the world. Things, however, are changing for Underoath.
During their recent tour in the UK, the band members announced that they and Gillespie were parting ways at the end of the tour, the last date of which was April 6, 2010. They have given every indication that this is not a heated departure, but simply Gillespie following the Lord’s leading. This is going to be a huge transition for Underoath and for Gillespie, who is the only original member of the band. He will now pursue other ministry efforts and concentrate on The Almost, while Underoath will begin working on their next album without Gillespie.
This parting is upsetting and emotional for many fans of Underoath, but on his Tumblr blog Gillespie explained how God has been working in his life and why this decision was made.
“I would like to offer a piece of advice . . . doing what is normal and easy is not always the right card to choose. Some things in this life are terrifying, but terrifyingly perfect. God has a plan for you, a plan that will prosper you [and] forward your life in the right direction. If there is a decision you need to make that scares you, it’s okay to make it.”
Tags: Spring 2010, Vol. 110 - Issue 11
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