Ronnie Radke

Page semi-protected
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ronnie Radke
Radke performing with Falling in Reverse during Rockzilla in 2022
Born
Ronald Joseph Radke

(1983-12-15) December 15, 1983 (age 40)
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • rapper
  • musician
  • record producer
Years active1998–present
PartnerSaraya Bevis (2018–present)
Children1
Musical career
Genres
Instrument(s)
  • Vocals
  • piano
  • guitar
  • bass
  • drums
LabelsEpitaph
Member ofFalling in Reverse
Formerly ofEscape the Fate
Websitefallinginreverse.com

Ronald Joseph Radke (/ˈrædki/; born December 15, 1983) is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, musician and record producer, best known as the current lead singer of rock band Falling in Reverse and the former lead singer of band Escape the Fate.[1]

Radke rose to popularity as the lead singer for post-hardcore band Escape the Fate, but was kicked out in 2008 after being sentenced to prison for violating probation. While in prison, Radke started a new band, Falling in Reverse, which he formally announced upon his release from prison in December 2010.

As a solo musician, Radke released a rap mixtape, Watch Me, in 2014, which included collaborations with Deuce, b.LaY, Tyler Carter, Sy Ari Da Kid, Jacoby Shaddix, Danny Worsnop, Andy Biersack, and Craig Mabbitt.[2]

Early life

Ronald Joseph Radke was born on December 15, 1983, in St. Rose Hospital, in Las Vegas, Nevada, one of three children born to Russell Radke, the others being his brothers, Anthony James Radke (1980-2013) and Matthew Radke.[3][4] Radke's mother abused drugs and was absent from his childhood, which he said caused him to have a general lack of respect towards women as an adult although he later forgave her when he posted a picture of her on Instagram after a Falling in Reverse show in 2014.[5] Radke has said that his father is white and his mother is Blackfoot and Portuguese.[6][better source needed]

Radke learned to play piano and guitar in his first bands. He began by playing Blink-182 songs on guitar. The first song he could play was "Dammit". He formed several bands while in high school. Radke ran away from home to play in his first band, with his friend Mitch, called 3.0. which according to Radke "sounded exactly like Blink 182". He lived with Mitch and his mother for a time. They played a few shows at various venues such as Chain Reaction and the Huntridge in Las Vegas. After the band, Radke moved back in with his dad, re-entered school, and dropped out again. He stated in an Alternative Press interview, "I just couldn't for some reason pay attention; I just daydreamed about everything else but what I'm supposed to be doing." Radke stated that the second band that he was in was called Lefty. Radke met Max Green (from the band Almost Heroes) at a talent show. Radke's microphone fell and Max picked it up for him while they were on stage and they became friends, forming the band True Story, which recorded a demo containing the track "This Is Not the End". Radke started screaming in the band after being inspired by Thrice, then started to sing, slowly forming Escape the Fate.

"Listen Up!" was written by Radke in 1998 as well as "Besides the Issues" and "The Worst Time". In 2001, Radke, with his friend, producer Michael "Elvis" Baskette, recorded the songs "Listen Up!", "The Worst Time" and "The Departure". Both recorded instruments together and also composed the themes for "As You're Falling Down", "Make Up" and "Not Good Enough for Truth in Cliche", recorded in 2005, along with Escape the Fate.

History

Escape the Fate (2004–2008)

In high school, Radke and Max Green were close friends. In 2004, Bryan Money, looking for a vocalist, contacted Max, who referred him to Radke. Bryan agreed and began auditions for a drummer. Robert Ortiz was selected, and Escape the Fate was formed. A few weeks later, Omar Espinosa, who at the time was the guitarist for Lovehatehero, joined as rhythm guitarist. The band began to play in the post-hardcore scene in Las Vegas. During that time Carson Allen joined as keyboardist. The band recorded the demo Escape the Fate EP. They signed in early 2006 with Epitaph Records after winning a radio contest judged by My Chemical Romance, which launched their career.[7]

In May 2006, recording for the EP There's No Sympathy for the Dead began, as well as some songs from the debut album, Dying Is Your Latest Fashion. Both were produced by Radke's friend Michael "Elvis" Baskette.

Radke was later kicked out of Escape the Fate in 2008 after he was sentenced to two and a half years in prison for violating a probation given to him for owning brass knuckles.[8] Radke had multiple previous brushes with the law due to prior narcotics offenses. He was replaced with former Blessthefall singer Craig Mabbitt.[9]

During Radke's incarceration, a feud grew between Radke and Mabbitt. Escape the Fate insulted Radke during live performances, and Radke responded with vulgar posts on social media. When Mabbitt began dating Radke's ex-girlfriend, who had starred in an earlier Escape the Fate music video, Radke asked Mabbitt, "How does my dick taste??" on Myspace. In response to a heckler during an Escape the Fate show at 2009's Warped Tour, Mabbitt yelled, "You miss the old singer? He’s locked up in Nevada. Go suck his fucking cock."[10]

In 2014, Escape the Fate and Falling in Reverse co-headlined the "Bury the Hatchet" tour, signifying an end to the hostilities.[11]

Falling in Reverse (2008–present)

While serving his sentence at High Desert State Prison, Radke wrote the first material for his upcoming band, which he described as "Norma Jean or Underoath with Katy Perry choruses."[12] With the help of Nason Schoeffler, Radke formed Falling in Reverse, originally named From Behind these Walls.[13][14][15] Upon his release from prison in December 2010, Radke announced his return to recording. Falling In Reverse released their first single "Raised by Wolves" in 2010, followed by the album The Drug in Me Is You which was released on July 26, 2011, through Epitaph Records.[16][17][18]

Falling in Reverse's first two albums reached the top 20 in the United States, and all four have charted in the top 40. The band's song "Popular Monster" became a No. 1 hit on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart in 2020, their first chart-topper.[19]

Solo and Watch Me (2013–present)

On May 31, 2013, Radke launched his YouTube channel and released a solo song, "Fair-Weather Fans". The song is described as "a song Ronnie made dedicated to all the people who didn't believe in him."[20][21] On June 1, he released a second song, called "What Up Earth?".[22]

In part 3 of his interview with Alternative Press, Radke stated that he is creating a rap mixtape, produced by Charles Massabo (Kallaghan Records)[23] that will feature some well known rap artists, the mixtape will be released in December 2013 for free.[24] The first single off that mixtape, "Blacklist", which features b.LaY, was released on July 5, 2013, on YouTube.[25]

A diss track titled "I Wash Cars" (also featuring b.LaY), which attacks Sumerian Records and its founder Ash Avildsen, Lorenzo "The Main Event" Antonucci, and electronicore band I See Stars, was leaked online. Ash and Lorenzo released a diss track in reply to "I Wash Cars" titled "When Ronnie Met Sally" attacking Radke. The feud between the two groups has since been resolved, and Radke is now on good terms with I See Stars, Sumerian Records, and Antonucci. On October 28, 2013, it was announced that Ronnie Radke and Craig Mabbit of Escape the Fate had made up and are now on good terms. Also the two mentioned their two bands will be touring together in early 2014.[26][27]

"Well, I'm doing a mix tape right now with everybody on the scene that's doing well. Danny [Worsnop] from Asking Alexandria, Andy [Biersack] from Black Veil Brides is singing on it. It's all rap, but they're singing all the choruses on it. There's Jacoby [Shaddix] from Papa Roach. There's Deuce, and we've got Craig Mabbitt [from Escape the Fate] singing on it. There's more too, but every track is going to be someone."

In an interview with Loudwire

In an interview with Loudwire, he has stated that he is in the process of making a rap mixtape, which according to Radke will include an artist on every song. He has also stated that the mixtape may be released for around Christmas.[28] On Christmas Day, he revealed a website through which subscribers received a new song, "Destiny", from the mixtape, now titled Watch Me. The track-list was also revealed but some songs did not contain feature other artists like he originally claimed. As of 2021, 3 songs from the mixtape don't have official releases.

Personal life

Radke has one daughter from his relationship with model Crissy Henderson. At one point, he was engaged to Henderson, but their relationship ended in 2013 due to infidelity on his part.[29]

Radke has openly denounced religion due to its treatment of LGBT people, saying he felt bitter and found hypocrisy in that Christianity was initially discriminatory against gay people but became accepting of them later on.[30]

Radke's older brother, Anthony, died from a traffic collision in 2013. By Anthony, Radke has one niece and four nephews.[31]

Since late 2018, Radke has been in a relationship with AEW wrestler Saraya Bevis, formerly known in the WWE as Paige.[32]

In December 2022, Radke released a memoir, I Can Explain, written with journalist Ryan J. Downey. Radke said, "I named it that 'cause it’s really funny to me 'cause I’ve gotten in so much trouble and have a bad reputation."[33]

Legal issues

Involvement in killing and prison sentence

On May 6, 2006, then 22-year-old Radke met with Marcel Colquitt near Shadow Ridge High School, at the north end of Decatur Boulevard, at approximately 2:30 PM to fight.[34][35] Each man brought additional men to support them in the fight. During the fight, 22-year-old Chase Rader, a man who had accompanied Radke, shot 18-year-old Michael Allen Cook, killing him, as well as wounding another man, Colquitt's brother.[36] Rader was arrested for and charged with murder but the district attorney declined to prosecute him, despite his confession, as it was determined Rader acted in self-defense.[36][37][38][39]

Radke pleaded guilty to battery with substantial bodily harm, to owning and bringing brass knuckles to the brawl (illegal in Nevada) and subsequently was placed on probation for five years, and he was ordered to pay $92,372 in restitution to Ceda Freeman, the mother of Cook.[35][40][41] After Radke violated the terms of his probation, he was sentenced to serve two and a half years in prison.[42][43][35]

Because of his prison sentence, Escape the Fate fired Radke. Craig Mabbitt, formerly of the band Blessthefall, replaced the imprisoned Radke.[44][45]

Domestic violence arrest

On May 1, 2012, Radke was accused of striking his then-girlfriend, Sally Watts, and was subsequently arrested in Glendale, California, on August 6, 2012, after he'd failed to make an appearance at any of the scheduled court hearings.[46][47] He was officially charged with a misdemeanor count of corporal injury and misdemeanor false imprisonment by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.[48] He was released on $30,000 bail. On May 14, 2014, Radke pleaded no contest to disturbance of the peace.[49][50]

Six Flags assault arrest

On September 29, 2012, Radke was performing as part of Falling in Reverse for FestEVIL, a metal festival for Six Flags Great Adventure's Fright Fest event, when he threw three microphone stands into the audience at the close of a performance, injuring a 16-year-old girl, who was taken to the hospital, and a 24-year-old man, who was treated at the scene.[51] Radke was charged with simple assault and aggravated assault and released on $25,000 bail.[52][53] Radke publicly apologized for his actions, saying that his actions were not in anger and that he hadn't intended to hurt anyone.[54][55] Six Flags subsequently decided to ban hard rock and heavy metal bands from performing at the park in the future.[56]

Rape allegation and defamation lawsuit

On June 10, 2015, it was reported that Radke had been publicly accused of sexual assault by a 25-year-old woman. The accuser alleged that Radke (with his bus driver present) had sexually assaulted her after Falling in Reverse's performance at Murray Theater on June 3, 2015. Though it was determined that Radke had contact with the woman, police found no evidence that Radke or his entourage had assaulted the woman. [57] Radke subsequently filed a lawsuit for defamation.[58][59]

Discography

With Escape the Fate

Studio albums

Extended plays

Demos

  • Escape the Fate (2005)

With Falling in Reverse

Studio albums

Extended plays

Solo career

Mixtapes

  • Watch Me (2014)

Singles

Year Song Album
2013 "Fair-Weather Fans" Non-album single
"What Up Earth?"
"I Wash Cars" (featuring b.LaY)
"Blacklist" (featuring b.LaY)
2014 "Destiny" Watch Me
"Stupid Boy"
"Never the Same"
"Already Dead"
"Devil"
"Asshole" (featuring Andy Biersack)
"Who Can Stop Us?" (featuring Deuce and b.LaY)
2014 "Armor" (featuring Tyler Carter and Sy Ari Da Kid)
2015 "Brother" (featuring Danny Worsnop)

Collaborations

Year Song Contribution Artist Album
2012 "Nobody Likes Me" Vocals Deuce Nine Lives
2013 "Thank You"[60] A Smile from the Trenches TBA
"The Life You've Chosen" Production/vocals Survive This! The Life You've Chosen
"Wrong Direction (Hey You)"
"Where I Belong"[61]
"For You" Songwriter Get Scared Everyone's Out to Get Me
2014 "Days Go By"[62] Vocals b.LaY Initiation II
2015 "Getting Over You"[63] Metro Station Savior

Accolades

Year Nominated work Award Result Ref
2011 Ronnie Radke Revolver Magazine's 100 Greatest Living Rock Stars Won [64][65]
2012 Kerrang's 50 Greatest Rock Stars in the World Today Won
Kerrang! Awards Hero of the Year Nominated [66]
Alternative Press's Vocalist of the Year Nominated [67]
2013 Ronnie Radke Alternative Press: Best Video APTV Won
2015 "Getting Over You" with Metro Station Best Collaboration — Kerrang! Music Awards Won

References

  1. ^ "An Honest Conversation With Ronnie Radke, Part 1: 'I'm Not Going To Shy Away From My Mis - Features". Rock Sound Magazine. Archived from the original on January 10, 2022. Retrieved January 10, 2022.
  2. ^ "Falling in Reverse's Ronnie Radke Offers Free Song Download From Star-Studded Mixtape". Loudwire. December 26, 2013.
  3. ^ "Rest in Peace Anthony James Radke, older brother of Ronnie Radke - Music Junkie Press". Music Junkie Press. August 11, 2013. Retrieved January 16, 2017.
  4. ^ "Anthony Radke | Peabody Gazette-Bulletin | Aug. 15, 2013". peabodykansas.com. Retrieved October 25, 2018.
  5. ^ "An Honest Conversation With Ronnie Radke, Part 2: I'm Not This Egotistical, Tyrannical Person' - Features - Rock Sound Magazine". Rock Sound Magazine. Archived from the original on July 16, 2018. Retrieved October 25, 2018.
  6. ^ "Ronnie Radke on Instagram: "Sorry I just realized the sizes were sold out, just restocked them* This is photo shopped and no I'm not Asian, I'm Blackfoot Indian and..."". Instagram. Archived from the original on June 27, 2023. Retrieved May 11, 2019.
  7. ^ "MTV Artist's, Escape the Fate Bio". MTV.com.
  8. ^ "When Falling in Reverse meets Escape the Fate, fans line up for their favorites - Las Vegas Weekly". lasvegasweekly.com. January 22, 2014. Retrieved January 10, 2022.
  9. ^ Lofgren, Laura. "Controversy: Escape the Fate's No. 1 Fan". KentWired.com. Archived from the original on January 10, 2022. Retrieved January 10, 2022.
  10. ^ "Ronnie Radke vs. Escape The Fate: the scene's biggest feud and what we learned from it". Alternative Press Magazine. January 9, 2014. Retrieved January 10, 2022.
  11. ^ Childers, Chad (November 21, 2013). "Escape the Fate's Craig Mabbitt Talks 'Bury the Hatchet' Tour + Reconnecting With Ronnie Radke". Loudwire. Retrieved January 10, 2022.
  12. ^ Zaleski, Annie (May 5, 2011). "Rocker Ronnie Radke is out of prison and ready to make his musical mark again - Las Vegas Sun Newspaper". lasvegassun.com. Retrieved January 10, 2022.
  13. ^ Zaleski, Annie (December 22, 2010). "Ex-Escape The Fate vocalist Ronnie Radke breaks his silence after prison release". Alternative Press. Archived from the original on August 15, 2011. Retrieved January 28, 2013.
  14. ^ "Alternative Press Interview with Ronnie Radke". Altpress.com. Archived from the original on October 19, 2013. Retrieved May 13, 2011.
  15. ^ "Ronnie Radke returns with Falling in Reverse". Punknews.org. June 7, 2011. Retrieved June 6, 2015.
  16. ^ "The Drug in Me Is You". www.blabbermouth.net.
  17. ^ "The Drug in Me Is You Hits the selves". Blabbermouth.net.
  18. ^ "Onesheet announces The Drug in Me Is You premiere". Onesheet.com. 2011.[permanent dead link]
  19. ^ Childers, Chad (April 29, 2020). "Falling in Reverse Hit Radio Milestone With 'Popular Monster'". Loudwire. Retrieved January 11, 2022.
  20. ^ Whitt, Cassie (May 31, 2013). "Ronnie Radke launches YouTube channel, releases solo song "The Fairweather Fans"". Alternative Press. Retrieved June 1, 2013.
  21. ^ Simonk (June 1, 2013). "Ronnie Radke post's new solo song 'Fairweather Fans'". KillYourStereo.com. Archived from the original on June 9, 2013. Retrieved June 2, 2013.
  22. ^ Whitt, Cassie (June 1, 2013). "Ronnie Radke posts second solo song, "What Up Earth?"". Alternative Press. Retrieved June 2, 2013.
  23. ^ "Kallaghan Records". Kallaghanrecords.com. Archived from the original on May 6, 2015. Retrieved June 6, 2015.
  24. ^ Waddell, Brandon (June 6, 2013). "Part 3". Alternative Press. Retrieved June 7, 2013.
  25. ^ Ronnie Radke - Blacklist (feat. B.Lay) (Official Lyric Video) on YouTube
  26. ^ "Ronnie Radke/Sumerian Diss Tracks Disappear: The Beef is Over, But We've Got Full Lyrics Right Here - Alternative Press". Altpress.com. Retrieved June 6, 2015.
  27. ^ "UPDATE: "It's not how I feel anymore" Ronnie Radke on I See Stars diss track; ISS call "truce" - Alternative Press". Altpress.com. Retrieved June 6, 2015.
  28. ^ "FALLING IN REVERSE'S RONNIE RADKE TALKS UPCOMING TOUR WITH ESCAPE THE FATE, MIX TAPE + MORE" (Interview). Loudwire. Chad Childers. November 20, 2013. Retrieved November 24, 2013. I'm giving it away for free to the fans. I just wanted to do something different in our scene that nobody's ever done...
  29. ^ Downey, Ryan J. (June 4, 2013). "APTV Exclusive! A Conversation with Ronnie Radke part two: Fatherhood And Relationships". Alternative Press. Retrieved June 8, 2013.
  30. ^ "Falling In Reverse's Ronnie Radke: "Fuck Religion"". The PRP. September 18, 2015. Retrieved January 7, 2016.
  31. ^ "Anthony Radke | Peabody Gazette-Bulletin | Aug. 14, 2013". peabodykansas.com. Retrieved October 25, 2018.
  32. ^ "Where Is WWE Wrestler Saraya "Paige" Bevis Today?". Cosmopolitan. February 8, 2019. Retrieved October 24, 2019.
  33. ^ Childers, Chad (August 31, 2022). "Falling in Reverse's Ronnie Radke Details PTSD From Prison Experience, Announces New Book". Loudwire. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
  34. ^ McCabe, Francis (May 9, 2006). "Two weekend homicide victims identified". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on May 18, 2006.
  35. ^ a b c "[Tragedy] Murder, suicide, music and drugs". LasVegasWeekly.com. Retrieved October 18, 2018.
  36. ^ a b "I-Team: No Charges Filed in 2006 Killing". LASVEGASNOW. March 11, 2008. Retrieved October 18, 2018.[permanent dead link]
  37. ^ "Las Vegas CityLife". archive.is. February 16, 2013. Archived from the original on February 16, 2013. Retrieved October 18, 2018.
  38. ^ Radke, Ronnie (January 21, 2022). "#greenscreen #LMFAO #shrek". TikTok. Retrieved February 11, 2023.
  39. ^ Jericho, Talk Is. "Talk Is Jericho - Falling Into Ronnie Radke". Google Podcasts. Retrieved February 11, 2023.
  40. ^ Wiederhorn, Jon (September 28, 2011). "Ronnie Radke Reveals Six Things Not To Do in Jail". Revolver. Retrieved June 1, 2013.
  41. ^ "Ronnie Radke: Prison. Drugs. Death. Redemption". Rock Sound Magazine. June 2012.
  42. ^ Baltin, Steve (April 5, 2012). "Falling in Reverse Frontman Goes from Jail to Warped Main Stage". Rolling Stone. Retrieved October 18, 2018.
  43. ^ "Las Vegas CityLife". February 16, 2013. Archived from the original on February 16, 2013.
  44. ^ "Ronnie Radke Announces New Falling in Reverse Bassist, Trashes Former Band Escape the Fate". Loudwire. January 19, 2012. Retrieved October 18, 2018.
  45. ^ "Ronnie Radke vs. Escape The Fate: the scene's biggest feud and what we learned from it". Alternative Press. January 9, 2014. Retrieved October 18, 2018.
  46. ^ Whitt, Cassie (August 8, 2012). "UPDATED: Ronnie Radke (Falling In Reverse) arrested on charges of alleged domestic assault". Alternative Press Magazine. Retrieved February 11, 2023.
  47. ^ "Ronnie Radke's Ex-Girlfriend Alerts About His Past Filled With Drugs And Being Arrested; Dating Anyone Now?". LIVERAMPUP. June 20, 2017.
  48. ^ jason.wells@latimes.com, Jason Wells (August 7, 2012). "Rock singer arrested in Glendale on domestic assault warrant". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved October 18, 2018.
  49. ^ Childers, Chad (May 16, 2014). "Ronnie Radke Domestic Violence Charge Dropped". Loudwire. Retrieved February 11, 2023.
  50. ^ "Ronnie Radke in court today; domestic violence charge dismissed - Alternative Press". Alternative Press. May 14, 2014. Retrieved October 18, 2018.
  51. ^ Chichester, Sammi (October 3, 2012). "Falling in Reverse Singer Ronnie Radke Arrested for Injuring Two Fans, But He Did Pay The Girl's Hospital Bill". Revolvermag.com. Retrieved January 28, 2013.
  52. ^ "Rocker's Mic Toss Leads to NJ Arrest". NBC 6 South Florida. Retrieved October 18, 2018.
  53. ^ "Singer Ronnie Radke of Falling in Reverse accused of throwing microphone stands at Great Adventure". Dailyrecord.com. October 1, 2012. Archived from the original on February 15, 2013. Retrieved January 28, 2013.
  54. ^ "APTV Exclusive! A Conversation With Ronnie Radke part three: Changes In Style". Alternative Press Magazine. June 6, 2013. Retrieved February 11, 2023.
  55. ^ "An Honest Conversation with Ronnie Radke". soundrock.com. Archived from the original on July 16, 2018. Retrieved July 16, 2018.
  56. ^ Angermiller, Michele (October 3, 2012). "Six Flags Great Adventure Bans Metal Concerts Following Microphone Stand Throwing Incident". Hollywoodreporter.com. Retrieved January 28, 2013.
  57. ^ "Ronnie Radke Sues Accuser for Defamation - Alternative Press". Alternative Press. June 8, 2015. Retrieved October 18, 2018.
  58. ^ "Ronnie Radke's Accuser Speaks (Exclusive) - Alternative Press". Alternative Press. June 10, 2015. Retrieved October 18, 2018.
  59. ^ "Falling In Reverse's Ronnie Radke Sues Sexual Assault Accuser". Loudwire. June 9, 2015. Retrieved February 11, 2023.
  60. ^ "Thank You Feat. Ronnie Radke". Soundcloud. A Smile from the Trenches. Retrieved December 25, 2013.
  61. ^ "Video Premiere: Survive This!, "Where I Belong" (ft. Ronnie Radke) - Alternative Press". Altpress.com. September 10, 2013. Retrieved June 6, 2015.
  62. ^ "b.Lay – "Days Go By" (feat Ronnie Radke)". YouTube. July 2, 2014. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
  63. ^ "Metro Station Feat. Ronnie Radke - Getting Over You". YouTube. June 9, 2015.
  64. ^ Geist, Brandon (December 13, 2011). "Revolver's Mega 100th Issue—Featuring the 100 Greatest Living Rock Stars". Revolver Magazine. Retrieved June 1, 2013.
  65. ^ "Escape the Fate - Biography". Billboard. Retrieved June 6, 2015.
  66. ^ "Kerrang! Hero of The Year". Kerrang. May 2, 2012. Retrieved June 1, 2013.
  67. ^ Whitt, Cassie (December 28, 2012). "Readers Poll: Vocalist of the Year". Alternative Press. Retrieved June 1, 2013.

External links