Black Veil Brides

Lore & Background

Black Veil Brides were originally formed in Cincinnati, Ohio in 2006 by Andy Biersack (who went by the stage name Andy Six until 2011), Johnny Herold, and Phil Cennedella. Eventually, Andy relocated to Los Angeles, California. They recorded a demo EP, Sex & Hollywood, in 2007, followed by a second demo, Never Give In, in 2008. In early 2009, he formed a new band using the current Black Veil Brides name, with the lineup consisting of Biersack, guitarist Chris Hollywood, and drummer Sandra Alvarenga, who were soon joined by bassist Ashley Purdy and guitarist Pan the Gypsy; they signed with the independent label StandBy Records. Chris Hollywood and Pan the Gypsy later departed and were replaced by Jinxx and Jake Pitts.

The group's debut album We Stitch These Wounds was released July 20, 2010, and sold over 10,000 copies in its first week, ranking at No. 36 on the Billboard Top 200 chart, and No. 1 on the Billboard Independent chart. Shortly after the album's release, Sandra Alvarenga was replaced by Christian "CC" Coma. The band's second studio album, Set the World on Fire, was released on June 14, 2011, through Lava Music/Universal Republic Records. The title track was later announced to be featured in the movie Transformers: Dark of the Moon. An EP titled Rebels was released on December 13, 2011, featuring a cover of "Rebel Yell" by Billy Idol and a cover of "Unholy" by Kiss.

Reader's Guide

Black Veil Brides first came to the attention of Lava Records president Jason Flom when the chief music officer at Hot Topic, John Kirkpatrick, told him about the incredible buzz that was building around the band, with their T-shirt attracting the second biggest sales in the country at that point. What was even more impressive was that they had built their fanatical following in a 'DIY' fashion, such as in making their own self-funded videos. Flom then made a deal with Neil Sheehan, founder of StandBy Records, to sign the band over to Lava. The band won Revolver Magazine's Golden Gods Award for Best New Artist and the title for Kerrang!'s Best Newcomers. Their third album, Wretched and Divine: The Story of the Wild Ones, was announced for release in January 2013 after being pushed back from October 30, 2012. The band's significance lies in reviving a theatrical, glam metal-inspired aesthetic in modern rock, building a dedicated fanbase through independent efforts before signing to a major label.

Did You Know?

• The band name 'Black Veil Brides' is a Roman Catholic term for a woman who marries into the church and gives up all pleasures of life to devote herself to God.
• Their debut album We Stitch These Wounds sold over 10,000 copies in its first week and reached No. 1 on the Billboard Independent chart.
• Andy Biersack broke his ribs after falling from a pillar during a performance on June 18, 2011, causing the band to miss the first week of the Vans Warped Tour.
• The band's cover of 'Unholy' by Kiss does not feature a guitar solo by Zakk Wylde; Zakk Wylde contributed to a different track or performance.