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Andy Biersack

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Andy Biersack
Biersack in 2022
Biersack in 2022
Background information
Birth nameAndrew Dennis Biersack
Also known as
  • Andy Six[1]
  • Andy Black
BornCincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • musician
  • songwriter
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • keyboards
  • synthesizers
Years active2006–present
Labels
Member ofBlack Veil Brides

Andrew Dennis Biersack, formerly known as Andy Six, is an American singer. He is the founder and lead vocalist of the rock band Black Veil Brides and is its only remaining original member. In 2014, he started a solo music project under the moniker Andy Black and released his debut album, The Shadow Side, in 2016.

Early life and education

Biersack was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Chris and Amy Biersack.[2]

For his early education, Biersack attended a Catholic elementary school, which he has spoken of in many interviews. Because of the way Biersack dressed and the music he listened to (i.e. Kiss, the Misfits, Avenged Sevenfold, the Damned, the Dropkick Murphys, etc.), he was the target of bullying at school. This bullying is reenacted in the "Knives and Pens" music video,[3] performed by his band, Black Veil Brides.

For high school, Biersack attended Cincinnati's School for Creative and Performing Arts, and majored in drama and vocal music. Two days after he turned 18, he left school before graduating to move to Los Angeles in hopes of furthering his potential career.[4]

Career

Black Veil Brides

Main article: Black Veil Brides
Biersack performing in 2011

At age 14, Andy Biersack and a few of his friends formed their first band, called "Biersack" (although they only played one show).[5] This project eventually grew into what would later be known as Black Veil Brides.

In September 2009, Black Veil Brides signed with the independent label StandBy Records.[6] The writing process for a tour and a record began immediately.

In 2009, they also released their first music video for "Knives and Pens", which to date has garnered over 200 million views. The band embarked on their first US tour, titled "On Leather Wings". Their debut album, We Stitch These Wounds, was released July 20, 2010 and sold over 13,000 copies in its first week, ranking at No. 36 on the Billboard Top 200 chart and No. 1 on the Billboard Independent chart.[7] The band's second studio album, Set the World on Fire, was released on June 14, 2011, through Lava Music/Universal Republic Records.[8]

The band's third album, Wretched and Divine: The Story of the Wild Ones, was released on January 8, 2013.[9] Their fourth self-titled album was released on October 27, 2014. Their fifth album Vale was released January 12, 2018. In celebration of the 10th anniversary of their first album We Stitch These Wounds, a re-recording of the album titled Re-Stitch These Wounds was released on July 31, 2020, followed their sixth album The Phantom Tomorrow on October 29, 2021.

Andy Black

In May 2014, Biersack revealed to Kerrang! magazine that he had been working on new music outside Black Veil Brides under the moniker 'Andy Black'. He explained that his solo project will have a radically different sound compared to the band, and that he felt he couldn't create that sound within the band, thus deciding to take it on as a solo artist. Andy's inspiration for this project was his love for '80s synth and goth music. He will be working with former Black Veil Brides producer John Feldmann. Despite this project, he reassured his fans that this does not mean this is his primary focus, but rather more of a hobby or a side-project.[10] On May 19, 2014, he premiered his first song, titled "They Don't Need to Understand", online with a music video via Hot Topic.[11]

On March 17, 2016, Biersack announced the title of his first Andy Black album The Shadow Side, scheduled to be released on May 6, 2016. The lead single from the project, "We Don't Have to Dance" was released on March 18, 2016, with a music video for the song being released on March 21.

On February 15, 2019, Biersack announced his second album, The Ghost of Ohio, which was released on April 12, 2019. The album's lead single Westwood Road was released the same day.

Other media

After his move to Los Angeles, he took up acting for a short time. He had a small part in the AT&T commercial "Confetti", as well as a 30-second spot in the Montana Meth commercial "Jumped". Biersack guest stars in the Funny or Die web series Average Joe on YouTube.[12] He also starred in the Black Veil Brides full-length feature film, Legion of the Black, which was released on January 6, 2013, to support the band's third album.[13]

In February 2016, Biersack was cast to play the role of Johnny Faust in the independent supernatural thriller film American Satan alongside Asking Alexandria member Ben Bruce.[14] The film, directed by Sumerian Records founder Ash Avildsen, was released on October 13, 2017.[15]

Biersack authored the supernatural, historical fiction graphic novel Ghost of Ohio, in collaboration with Z2 Comics.[16] The graphic novel was released on April 19, 2019, as a tie-in to the album The Ghost of Ohio.[17]

Biersack wrote They Don't Need to Understand: Stories of Hope, Fear, Family, Life, and Never Giving In with longtime journalist Ryan J. Downey, which arrived in December 2020.[18]

From 2020 to 2021, Biersack voiced Batman in a web-series adaptation of the DC Comics mini-series Dark Nights: Death Metal.[19]

Personal life

Biersack's stage name was "Andy Six" up until around 2011 when he decided that he preferred to be called by his birth name, Andy Biersack.[1]

In an interview with Loudwire in 2012, Biersack said, "I'm not a religious person but I grew up in a religious family. I went to the funeral for my grandfather, a person that I love very much, and everyone is speaking about how he went to Heaven and how he's in Heaven. I always fight with that, because I would love nothing more to believe that my grandfather is in the clouds playing "Xbox 460" [sic] or whatever awesome stuff they have up in Heaven, but I can't."[20]

Biersack is a fan of comic books, he has listed comics such as Batman: Knightfall, V for Vendetta, Batman: Hush, and Kingdom Come as favorites.[21]

On October 30, 2016, Biersack was involved in a physical altercation with his wife, Juliet Simms, on a flight back to Los Angeles. According to the video testimony given by adult film actress Mary Carey, a witness to the incident, Simms forcibly struck Biersack in the face twice. Carey also stated Simms struck herself in the face with the airline handcuffs until her nose began to bleed, alleging that she was defending herself against Biersack. In a video recorded by another passenger, Simms accused Biersack of breaking her ribs. Witnesses on the plane state Biersack did not lay a hand to Simms.[22][better source needed] Following the incident, both released statements about the effects of alcohol and confirming that they did not separate after the incident.[23][24]

Stage injuries

Biersack has suffered multiple injuries while performing with Black Veil Brides, most notably his fall from a 15-foot (4.6 m) pillar on June 18, 2011, in Hollywood. In an attempt to jump back onto the stage, he fell forward and hit his ribcage, knees and skull on the edge, which resulted in three ribs shattered, and one displaced.[25][26] That particular injury caused Black Veil Brides to have to miss the first week of the Vans Warped Tour in 2011.[27] On October 26, 2011, while on another tour in the UK, Biersack broke his nose on the drum riser while performing a gig in Luxembourg, resulting in more missed tour dates. However, two days later, he performed with Black Veil Brides in London.[28][29]

In an interview with Revolver magazine in 2011, Biersack stated:

I never anticipated seeing 40. I smoke two packs a day and drink like a camel. I just don't really think about death. I know I'm gonna die one day, but if I can achieve all of my goals and live exactly the way I want to before then, I'll have no regrets when I die. I don't try to hurt myself like Iggy Pop or Marilyn Manson or anything – it's just the byproduct of the chaos of being on stage.[29]

Discography

Andy Biersack discography
Studio albums8
Singles2
Collaborations1

As Andy Black

Studio albums

Title Details Peak chart positions
US
[30] 		AUS
[31]
The Shadow Side
  • Released: May 6, 2016
  • Label: Republic, Lava
  • Formats: Digital download, CD
 22 23
The Ghost of Ohio
  • Released: April 12, 2019
  • Label: Republic, Lava
  • Formats: Digital download, CD
 200 —

Singles

Song Year Peak
chart
positions 		Album
US
Rock
[32]
"They Don't Need to Understand" 2014 — Non-album single
"We Don't Have to Dance" 2016 23 The Shadow Side
"My Way" 2018 — Non-album single
"—" denotes the single failed to chart or was not released.
Song Year Artist Album
"Asshole" 2014 Ronnie Radke Watch Me – Mixtape[33]

Non-album tracks

Title Year Album
"21 Guns" 2016 Kerrang!'s Green Day American Superhits[34]
"Beyond My Reach" 2017 Warped Tour's 2017 Compilation
"When We Were Young"
(featuring Juliet Simms) 		Punk Goes Pop Vol. 7
"My Way"(Frank Sinatra cover) 2018 Non-album single

Filmography

Film

Title Year Role
American Satan 2017 Johnny Faust[35]

Television

Title Year Role
Paradise City 2021–present Johnny Faust[36]

Music videos

Song Year Album Director Views on YouTube
"They Don't Need to Understand" 2014 Non-album single Patrick Fogarty 24.000.000
"We Don't Have to Dance" 2016 The Shadow Side 47.000.000
"Ribcage" Dan Sturgess 12.000.000
"My Way" 2018 Non-album single Patrick Fogarty 1.500.000
"Westwood Road" 2019 The Ghost of Ohio NYLA Projects 2.500.000
"Ghost of Ohio" Patrick Fogarty 1.100.000

With Black Veil Brides

Main article: Black Veil Brides discography

Accolades

Year Nominated work Award Result Place
2011 Andy Biersack Revolver Magazine's 100 Greatest Living Rock Stars 2011[37][38] Won —
2012 Andy Biersack Revolver Magazine's Golden God Awards: Best Vocalist 2012[39] Nominated —
2012 Andy Biersack Kerrang! Award for Hottest Male 2012[40] Nominated —
2012 Andy Biersack Kerrang!'s 50 Greatest Rock Stars in the World Today Won 4th
"—" denotes a nomination that did not place or places were not relevant in the award.

References

  1. ^ a b Karan, Tim (April 13, 2011). "Black Veil Brides vocalist Andy Six to go by actual last name". Altpress.com. Retrieved June 25, 2014.
  2. ^ APTV: The Making Of Andy Biersack (Part 1 of 5) on YouTube from 0:45 to 1:40. Alternative Press. November 19, 2013. Retrieved November 21, 2013.
  3. ^ Black Veil Brides (2009). Black Veil Brides "Knives and Pens" OFFICIAL VIDEO. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
  4. ^ Petteri Pertola (June 8, 2011). "Black Veil Brides – Rockfreaks.net". Rockfreaks.net. Retrieved December 28, 2012.
  5. ^ "Black Veil Brides Interview". UGO.com. April 6, 2011. Archived from the original on September 21, 2013. Retrieved January 13, 2013.
  6. ^ Black Veil Brides featured in Billboard Magazine TheGauntlet.com 2010-07-08. Retrieved 2010-11-18
  7. ^ "Black Veil Brides We Stitch These Wounds Awards". Allmusic.com. AllMusic. Retrieved May 18, 2014.
  8. ^ Heisel, Scott (May 2, 2011). "Black Veil Brides – Set The World on Fire". AltPress.com. AltPress. Retrieved May 18, 2014.
  9. ^ Ableson, Jon. "Black Veil Brides Announce New Album "Wretched And Divine: The Story Of The Wild Ones" Release Date; Reveal Track Listing". Alterthepress.com. Alter the Press. Retrieved May 18, 2014.
  10. ^ Bryant, Tom (May 17, 2014). "Back in Black". Kerrang!. p. 05.
  11. ^ Carter, Emily. "Andy Biersack Streams First Song from Solo Project Andy Black". Kerrang.com. Kerrang!. Archived from the original on May 25, 2014. Retrieved May 25, 2014.
  12. ^ Gutelle, Sam (November 9, 2012). "'Average Joe' Brings Judd Apatow-Style Buddy Comedy To Funny Or Die". TubeFilter. Retrieved November 1, 2019.
  13. ^ "Black Veil Brides' album is based on 'fear and shadows'". Retrieved October 15, 2016.
  14. ^ "Cast and More Details Revealed for 'American Satan' Movie Starring Andy Biersack + Ben Bruce". Loudwire. May 28, 2016.
  15. ^ "Watch 'American Satan' movie trailer starring Andy Black, Ben Bruce and more". Alternative Press Magazine. June 18, 2017.
  16. ^ "Black Veil Brides' Andy Biersack partners with Z2 Comics for The Ghost of Ohio graphic novel". Consequence of Sound. October 5, 2018. Retrieved November 1, 2019.
  17. ^ Blue, Jeannie (April 15, 2019). "Andy Biersack – The Ghost of Ohio (Graphic Novel Review)". Cryptic Rock. Retrieved November 1, 2019.
  18. ^ "Andy Biersack's memoir 'They Don't Need To Understand' is on its way". AltPress.com. September 18, 2020. Retrieved June 11, 2022.
  19. ^ "Hear Black Veil Brides' Andy Biersack Voice Batman in 'Dark Nights: Death Metal'". Loudwire. September 15, 2020. Retrieved August 25, 2023.
  20. ^ Liz Ramanand (December 13, 2012). "Black Veil Brides Singer Andy Biersack: I Think Everybody Is 'Wretched and Divine'". Loudwire. Retrieved March 21, 2013.
  21. ^ Loudwire (April 12, 2019), Andy Black Shops for His Top 5 Graphic Novels at Forbidden Planet, retrieved April 21, 2019
  22. ^ Andy Biersack's wife Juliet Simms handcuffed on flight after row November 1, 2016. Retrieved August 30, 2019.
  23. ^ Andy Biersack and wife Juliet Simms speak about plane fight February 11, 2016. Retrieved August 30, 2019.
  24. ^ Britton, Luke Morgan (November 2, 2016). "Black Veil Brides' Andy Biersack and wife issue statements following airplane arrest". NME. Retrieved August 30, 2019.
  25. ^ "Black Veil Brides' Andy Biersack shatters four ribs after 15-foot fall – video | News". Nme.Com. June 20, 2011. Retrieved January 13, 2013.
  26. ^ "Black Veil Brides lead singer Andy Biersack... – BryanStars Interviews". Bryanstars.com. June 19, 2011. Retrieved January 13, 2013.
  27. ^ "Alternative Press | Features | Exclusive Interview: Andy Biersack of Black Veil Brides discusses his fall, injuries". Altpress.com. June 22, 2011. Retrieved January 13, 2013.
  28. ^ "BLABBERMOUTH.NET – BLACK VEIL BRIDES Frontman Breaks Nose During Luxembourg Concert (Photo)". Legacy.roadrunnerrecords.com. Archived from the original on February 1, 2013. Retrieved January 13, 2013.
  29. ^ a b Jon Wiederhorn (December 14, 2011). "Black Veil Brides' Andy Biersack Picks His Top Five Stage Injuries in 2011 – Revolver Magazine". Revolvermag.com. Retrieved January 13, 2013.
  30. ^ "Andy Black Chart History: Billboard 200". Billboard. Retrieved April 23, 2019.
  31. ^ "australian-charts.com – Andy Black – The Shadow Side". australian-charts.com. Archived from the original on August 8, 2016. Retrieved August 23, 2016.
  32. ^ "Andy Black Chart History". Billboard. Retrieved October 16, 2017.
  33. ^ "Ronnie Radkes Mixtape Website". RonnieRadkeMixtape. Ronnie Radke. Retrieved December 25, 2013.
  34. ^ "Kerrang!'s Green Day American Superhits". Kerrang!. Retrieved September 17, 2019.
  35. ^ Kika Chatterjee (June 18, 2017). "Watch 'American Satan' movie trailer starring Andy Black, Ben Bruce and more". Altpress. Retrieved November 8, 2018.
  36. ^ Paradise City (TV Series 2021– ) - IMDb, retrieved April 9, 2021
  37. ^ "Congrats To Revolver Magazine & Their 100th Issue m/ | PiercingMetal Musings". Piercingmetal.com. December 16, 2011. Retrieved January 13, 2013.
  38. ^ Brandon Geist (December 13, 2011). "Revolver's Mega 100th Issue—Featuring the 100 Greatest Living Rock Stars—on Newsstands Now – Revolver Magazine". Revolvermag.com. Retrieved January 13, 2013.
  39. ^ "Golden Gods 2012: The Winners | News @". Ultimate-guitar.com. Retrieved January 13, 2013.
  40. ^ "Kerrang! And the nominees are". Kerrang.com. Archived from the original on May 10, 2012. Retrieved January 13, 2013.
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