I started this post with a different video until I stumbled upon this one. This one isn’t one to pump you up, but it’s lyrical content is beyond spot on and I had no idea they documented what it’s like to be on tour. It captures so many things that no one would even know. The behind the scenes game is a very different story than what we’ve worked so hard to present to so many. It’s a struggle in every city, venue, state and country.
This is a true testament to what it’s like to be on tour and working your ass off day in and day out. Most importantly, the end of tour shenanigans and belly laughs that are addictive!!
The best part of the video for me, is all of the daughters on stage rocking pink ear protectors. This for sure hits home, but it doesn’t reveal the hardships that the road brings to an individual and their family. I will save that subject for another post. WAY too much to cover…
Let’s switch gears…
Benjamin Bunley is an alcoholic in recovery. I’ve spent many nights with him and his former band members in the early days and I know what it was like. However, nothing was a problem then, we were all just having fun! That’s what music is all about, right?! Sex, Drugs and Rock & Roll!!! No…
Ben had his struggles and continues to deal with them to this day. He’s been in recovery since 2007. His fear of flying has cost him money for not being able to play overseas, anxiety has ran him away from situations and he’s even said, I just want to “drink myself to death”. This man has been in a difficult situation for a very long time and he blames it on excessive drinking, but if he wasn’t insecure about his drinking, what else could it be? He lost his entire band over a few years of him dealing with his own issues and sickness and had nothing in the end, at least it seemed. This is the guy in the band that writes the lyrics, guitars, does most everything else and achieved the goal of being a successful ‘radio’ band that has somewhat of a heavy side, but can compete in that space.
Well, all of that was taken away when he was left as the sole member of his own band. This dude rebuilt his empire like a damn warrior! After he replaced all members, they wrote one album together and it was good, but they were testing the waters (in my opinion). However, when you listen to how Ember was created, you can hear the passion in his voice when he speaks about it. It was developed differently than all of the other times. It is and will be one of it’s kind. If you consider these guys a radio band, this stuff is HEAVY and amazing. Ember is the record a ton of fans have always wanted and they delivered!
All this being said, this man hit rock bottom like 10 times and when it was all said and done, he punched life back with one of the best rock albums of his career, if not the the best! Kudos to him, his wife and kid. You killed it, Ben and all of the member of Breaking Benjamin!!
Last point… You can have everything one day and lose it the next. Cherish every single moment in life and don’t sit down and let it happen. It’s on you to make it the best life possible. Live every minute of every single damn day as if it’s your last. This story is proof that you can fall flat on your face and still come back and claim victory! We can all do it, it’s instilled in us and you have to find it.
Love,
B
P.S.
This is the video I wanted to write about, but the other one stuck to me more. Give them both a listen!!
