The breakup of Every Time I Die (ETID) in January 2022 marked the end of an era for the hardcore and metalcore communities. Known for their high-energy performances and intricate musicianship, ETID had been a staple in the scene for over two decades. Now, two years later, we can reflect on the aftermath of their disbandment and how the members and their fans have moved forward.
The Breakup: A Brief Recap
ETID's breakup was as intense and dramatic as their music. The rift primarily involved frontman Keith Buckley and the other members: Jordan Buckley, Andy Williams, Steve Micciche, and Clayton "Goose" Holyoak. Tensions came to a head during their 2021 tour, with public accusations and disputes aired on social media. Keith accused his bandmates of conspiring against him, while they cited concerns over his erratic behavior (Revolver) (Revolver). This very public fallout left fans shocked and divided.
The Immediate Aftermath
Following the breakup, the members pursued separate paths. Keith Buckley focused on his mental health and personal life, expressing gratitude for the support of his fans. He took time to address his mental health and sobriety, using his platform to advocate for mental health awareness. Keith joined the band Many Eyes, allowing him to continue his musical journey and explore new creative directions (Revolver) (Revolver).
Meanwhile, Jordan Buckley, Andy Williams, Steve Micciche, and Goose Holyoak formed a new band, Better Lovers, with Greg Puciato of The Dillinger Escape Plan joining as the frontman. Better Lovers has been working on new material, promising to carry forward the raw energy and intricate musicianship that ETID was known for (Revolver) (Wikipedia).
Better Lovers: A New Beginning
For the remaining members, Better Lovers represents a new chapter. Andy Williams, who also has a successful career as a professional wrestler with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), continues to balance his dual passions. His presence in the wrestling world has grown, earning him a new fanbase and allowing him to bring his intense stage persona to a different kind of ring (Wikipedia).
The new band's music promises to carry forward the raw energy and intricate musicianship that ETID was known for. Fans are eagerly awaiting their debut release, curious to see how they evolve without Keith's distinctive presence.
The Fan Community: Holding On and Moving Forward
The breakup of Every Time I Die was a significant blow to their dedicated fanbase. For many, ETID was more than just a band; they were a community. The band's annual "Tid the Season" holiday shows in Buffalo had become legendary, drawing fans from all over the world. In the absence of these events, fans have created their own ways to celebrate the band's legacy, including tribute shows and online communities that keep the spirit of ETID alive (Revolver) (Metal Injection).
The final album, "Radical," has taken on an almost mythic status among fans. Songs like "Post-Boredom" and "AWOL" have become anthems, with their lyrics taking on new meanings in the context of the band's split. The album's raw energy and emotional depth serve as a fitting epitaph for a band that always wore its heart on its sleeve (Revolver) (Metal Injection).
The Legacy of Every Time I Die
Two years on, the legacy of Every Time I Die remains strong. They are remembered not just for their music, but for their impact on the hardcore and metalcore scenes. Their willingness to evolve musically while staying true to their roots set them apart from many of their contemporaries. Albums like "Hot Damn!," "The Big Dirty," and "From Parts Unknown" are considered classics, influencing countless bands that followed (Wikipedia).
The band's ability to blend humor, intellect, and raw emotion in their lyrics, particularly through Keith Buckley's distinctive voice, has left a lasting impression. Songs that tackle themes of existential dread, personal struggle, and societal critique resonate deeply, ensuring that Every Time I Die's music continues to be discovered and appreciated by new generations of fans (Revolver).
Moving Forward: What’s Next?
As we look to the future, the question remains: what’s next for the former members of Every Time I Die? Keith Buckley's continued work with Many Eyes is highly anticipated. His unique perspective and talent suggest that whatever he creates will be worth the wait.
For Jordan, Andy, Steve, and Goose, Better Lovers holds great promise. Fans are eager to hear how they will evolve without Keith's distinctive presence. The chemistry and musicianship that defined ETID's sound are still there, promising exciting developments in the hardcore scene (Wikipedia) (Metal Injection).
In conclusion, the breakup of Every Time I Die was a significant event in the music world, marked by public drama and personal struggles. Yet, two years later, the band’s legacy endures. Their music continues to inspire, and the members are carving out new paths. For fans, the end of ETID was not just an ending but a transformation, leading to new beginnings and continued reverence for a band that gave everything, every time.
For more about the legacy and future projects of Every Time I Die's members, keep an eye on their social media profiles and music platforms. Their journey, much like their music, is sure to be intense, unpredictable, and deeply engaging.
