The Strange History of BREAKING BENJAMIN (so sad...)

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The strange history of Breaking Benjamin! From their early years to "We Are Not Alone," "Diary Of Jane," "Phobia" and Benjamin Burnley's alcohol problem.
Edited by Tim Gilli: bit.ly/tmgprmba
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0:00 Intro
2:50 Early years of Breaking Benjamin & "Phobia"
7:07 Benjamin Burnley's alcoholism
10:03 "Dear Agony" & hiatus
12:35 Reunion of Breaking Benjamin
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[@ThePunkRockMBA]

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[@MBR_Sky]

sadge gamba sponsor again :c

[@QuantumZER0.]

Can you do a video on Between The Buried and Me? I personally have always loved the band. Great mixture of musical styles.

[@ShoelessJP]

Get that bread, Finn.

[@supersoaker317]

That breaking Benjamin to infant annihilator pipeline line felt like a personal attack

[@LcBoy131]

Its so disgusting that you advertise gambling

[@thetacticalpuertorican]

My son has autism, is non verbal and is very picky with what he listens to and not much will get him to sit down. But when I put Breaking Benjamin he'll immediately stop whatever hes doing and will "sing" the songs. It might not mean much to many people. But to me and our family, their music has been a huge blessing in our lives.

[@Stormbringer81]

I think that's pretty great personally.

[@Eric-vx9qw]

That’s beautiful

[@jessesinclair3642]

🧢

[@thetacticalpuertorican]

@@jessesinclair3642 why would I lie about this?

[@Madallen2002]

As someone with autism. I am glad to hear about that story. I've always heard of Breaking Benjamins. But never really gave them a listen. But I love learning about bands I didn't know or knew as much as I did when I was a kid thanks to the punk rock mba.

[@Frederick0220]

The Butt Rock label on Breaking Benjamin is absurd. Their sound is way more layered and developed than a Nickleback or a Five Finger Death Punch. Also, Ben is one of the most melodic rock vocalists of all-time and both their choruses and non-choruses are very sonically pleasing.

[@zacharykoedyker3978]

Sorry man, but B.B is radio rock. Stations that play nothing but rock. Lol.

[@chemicaldownfalls1968]

@@zacharykoedyker3978Translation: “Ive only listened to their radio hits, so I am now expert on band and classify them how I like 🤓☝️”

[@zacharykoedyker3978]

@chemicaldownfalls1968 Not a expert at all. Your taking but rock and radio rock as a insult. I'm not even sure why. Lol.

[@n0-one0]

There is definitely something more haunting and authentic about their sound than the average radio rock band. I would say the same about Chevelle and maybe even Incubus on certain songs.

[@Frederick0220]

@@n0-one0 Agreed! Esp on Chevelle. Another "butt rock" band that I find very impressive is Staind. Even their last album from a few months ago had a few bangers

[@Viper8962]

Dear agony is probably my favorite album of all time, it’s extremely underrated and every song is amazingly written

[@spfadden082711]

Dear Agony with the girl from fly leaf is amazingly done. It’s one of only a few songs that gets to my core. Aurora is an amazing album of a lot of those songs all redone

[@Waxedupwill]

Absolutely!!

[@crewd00d]

Dear Agony is all bangers, no skips, but it's so hard to only pick between that and Phobia.

[@Waxedupwill]

@@crewd00d agreed

[@NX-gw7wg]

Phobia will always be my favorite

[@chriskasowski4743]

"So Cold" is still one of my favorite songs of all times. There's just something about it that gives me the chills evertime i hear it. Just hearing the short clips of it in this video still hit the sweet spot for me.

[@the_minimalistic_adventure]

Same here. Such an amazing song.

[@karawardlaw4090]

I agree. Just the beginning notes alone give me goosebumps

[@johndunworth4176]

The lyrics of the first verse reminde of 9/11

[@lilymuu]

I totally agree! I think the drum part in the verse does a great job of that. Jeremy Hummel, the original drummer for Breaking Benjamin (he played on Saturate and We Are Not Alone) mentioned in a clinic at PASIC that he specifically wanted to write a part that set a dark and ominous tone for the song. He did a perfect job of that, imo--and that beat in particular is such an integral part of the song!

[@RenateAdams]

Yassss! I agree 💯❤

[@xNimrod97x]

Breaking Benjamin and Chevelle (more so Chevelle) always get unfairly lumped in with radio rock bands. Chevelle are super underrated and just get better over time

[@nickmonda738]

For real!!! Chevelle is one of the best of the best

[@willrunriot]

For sure. Saw them back in 99, then again in 03. Don’t think I’ve seen them since, but a couple years back I started listening to them again and yeah - they don’t do anything wildly technical or crazy, but there’s something I can’t describe about their music. It’s very… precise? Deliberate? I dunno.. I feel like if you know, you know. You know? Catchy hooks help too..

[@xNimrod97x]

@@willrunriotoh yeah I know. I’ve caught them live 3 times and they’re so good. I credit them for getting me into downtuned heavy music. Wonder What’s Next is one of my favorite albums, ever. They don’t have an album I dislike.

[@kfox420]

I was never really into Chevelle, but I saw them open for Queens of the Stone Age, and they blew me away. Ended up buying some of their albums and been a fan ever since.

[@CMill78]

Love Chevelle, they're one of the few bands that don't have a filler song across their entire discography.

[@ericbert6551]

Chad’s drumming on Phobia and Dear Agony is top notch. His swing grooves and splash work has influenced more drummers than he’s given credit for in the genre.

[@JonnyRottenn__]

Yes! Chad is a beast. The drum work on those albums were a massive influence to me.

[@riotgamerz1605]

He’s my favorite BB drummer I’m grateful he was on my fav album (Dear Agony)

[@EdgeOfTheEarth91]

Chad's drumming is severely missed on the newer albums

[@riotgamerz1605]

@@EdgeOfTheEarth91 I think no one wants to truly admit it. Shaun is good though

[@MrSir2552]

While I do love Chad, I have a massive soft spot for Shaun. Back in 2017, I was a completely self taught drummer and didn’t have the chops I wanted. And, by pure luck, he had accepted my friend request on Facebook. He posted that he was doing some online drum lessons between tours and I hit him up for an hour lesson. He was so so sweet and so humble about everything. Amazing teacher and a guy you could sit down and have a drink with. The lesson kinda devolved into us just chatting about different songs we were listening to. And then the last 15 minutes was us trying to pick apart the song Paradigm from Avenged Sevenfold’s album The Stage which had just been released a little while before. One of the best hours of my life and I’ll always remember it. During a meet and greet in 2018, I asked him about it and he even remembered me with a huge smile on his face. I love that man, he’s a gem.

[@browniesghost4934]

Phobia is one of the greatest radio rock albums to exist, just perfect.

[@michaellindbom6020]

Agreed!

[@andrew8168]

100%

[@JinxSwe]

Not a single bad song on it.

[@Jorie921]

Most definitely, not one bad song. Dance with the devil is such an underrated song too.

[@the_minimalistic_adventure]

Blow Me Away will always “that” song for me. It just has a super magical vibe about it. I don’t think I’ve ever disliked anything this band has ever released.

[@greenbluethings2839]

You a halo fan?

[@the_minimalistic_adventure]

@@greenbluethings2839 Not necessarily, but I can appreciate the game.

[@Syphilon]

@@the_minimalistic_adventureI’m not the biggest Halo fan but when I played 2 I had way too much fun on the level that it plays in the background on. It goes so fucking hard

[@Syphilon]

It’s like how the DOOM 2016/Eternal soundtrack is for people now but back in the 2000s is how I can best describe how well it fit

[@greenbluethings2839]

@@Syphilon it fits so well for the area, but I die at least 5 times each play through in that part. But hey if that means more Breaking Benjamin then I’m fine with it

[@johncancel5116]

Saturate is CRIMINALLY underrated. I rank it as one of the best rock albums of all time. It’s heavy and yet pretty. “Forever” is one of the most beautiful songs ever made. Next to nothing is a 10. Listen to that album in depth. It’s great.

[@peterogrodnick5693]

It’s my favourite record from them.

[@rc3694]

I think its my favorite album of all time with Shallow Bay being my favorite song in their whole catalog

[@SleypnyrtheFallen]

I'm just happy to know, I'm not the only one that thinks Saturate is one of the greatest albums ever.

[@coreyw5981]

We are not alone is when it for me how good they were. Its like a more polished version of saturate. Still love it but when i heard so cold for the first time it blew me away that that was the same band

[@Necio7861]

Saturate just hits different it is for sure an album for people with established taste but all in all I feel like they’re one of the rare cases of a band that has no bad albums imo

[@ZackSeifMusic]

The best part of the new lineup is that almost everyone sings harmonies and leads live, every guitar track is covered, they sound massive, and they put on a better show today than 20 years ago.

[@1mlb704]

Agreed. It's rare with bands, but I actually like the new lineup more than the old lineup(s).

[@Tom-sv3cm]

That and they work as a team, the way a band should work. They've all got creative input, instead of it all being up to one person, to write everything. This is the best version of breaking benjamin, nowadays.

[@Cobra4993]

I saw them live a couple years ago and this is very true. They sound great live. My only complaint was that the bass could have been louder but it wasn't a big deal.

[@the_minimalistic_adventure]

The new lineup is great, but I really wish Chad were still the drummer. His Live presence was amazing. Super funky drummer.

[@stephenhawkins555]

@@the_minimalistic_adventure Agree. Chad was a way better drummer. No disrespect to Shaun Foist, but he lacks Chad's creativity and style. Shaun does a serviceable job, but on the albums he sounds like a MIDI drummer quantized and sampled to death. Chad's drum tracks had dynamics and groove.

[@thegamegenie]

Here's my story of how I discovered this band. I had a really good friend where I lived and he ended up passing away. This is back when myspace was still around and people had music players on their website. I went to his page to leave a comment saying that I miss you buddy and what I was greeted to was the music player playing so cold by Breaking Benjamin. And I instantly fell in love with the band.

[@crewd00d]

They were definitely a gateway band for me in 2005-2009 when I was in high school. Soon after, it was Slipknot, Disturbed, Avenged Sevenfold, then August Burns Red, Underoath, The Devil Wears Prada, As I lay Dying. Soon after that, it was Whitechapel, Oceano, Veil of Maya, Pig Destroyer. You can see how the rock-to-deathmetal pipeline works like a charm ;)

[@MisterAutist]

I also went from stuff like Breaking Benjamin, to Pig Destroyer in my teen years! Now that I'm almost in my mid-20s, I find that I like stuff like Hopesfall, Misery Signals, 7A7P, Love Lost But Not Forgotten, Taken, Rinoa, and more stuff.

[@moresoysauce5489]

Very similar story here. Throw in a little Lamb of God 😊

[@joey778alucard]

Same here man

[@jakestogsdill]

Breaking Benjamin is one of those bands that always slapped, even in 6th grade when everyone just listened to mostly rap by default, breaking benjamin always came thru our playlists with some bangers 🫡

[@ZukeIGuess]

bro 6th GRADE? were yall listening to them in the computer lab? 😂

[@oshikiri999]

Breaking Benjamin wasn't a band I thought would be relevant in 2024 but I'll be damned if their songs aren't still decent af and still regularly played on the radio. Wild. Definitely a legacy band who still has momentum.

[@OctoberFallsToPieces]

also Ben has influence on modern metal bands.

[@oshikiri999]

@@OctoberFallsToPieces oh yea dude there's no arguing that 💯 his ability to make somber, sometimes pretty melodies HEAVY...is crazy. I think we all aspire to do the same 🤘🏻

[@OctoberFallsToPieces]

@@oshikiri999 agree, i found myself copying that singing style in my own band

[@Ryo7_7]

Yea, they are solid.

[@ZackSeifMusic]

They've been doing nothing but amphitheater tours for almost a decade.

[@ltarmenia4ever]

Actually saw them live with Catch Your Breath and Daughtry. I was surprised by how good they were live. Like really fucking tight. The clean harmonization was great and the screaming was actually gave you that RAW feeling. Its hard to explain, but their live screaming reminds me of that guttural screaming that you hear on Trivium's Ascendancy. (Yea im old. 35 here.)

[@Blottski]

Always liked the term Alt-Metal for them. I really truly feel Breaking Benjamin inspired soooo many bands that play in similar tunings or song structures or even singing styles as Breaking Benjamin. But of course, they are my favourite band of all time, so I may be a bit biased. The last thing though, the label “buttrock” always makes me roll my eyes when you consider how thought out so many songs in their discography is. This band is the one I use for non rock listeners to at least try to get into hard rock. They’re the ONLY one that’s ever worked as a like “omg I actually liked that, except for the one scream in the bridge” type vibes you’ll get from a song like Diary of Jane. Finally, I think that’s a style they really developed and solidified with Phobia and Dear Agony. I really think anyone who loves rock, metal, whatever to give their discography a fair listen.

[@GoldenGoesCrypto]

Ashes of Eden is such an underrated song. So well written.

[@VicariousNickGaming]

I'll be 30 this year and have been listening to BB since I was 13 years old when I first heard them on MTV. I fell in love with Ben's voice immediately. After 17+ years of being a fan and even getting to see them live twice, I gotta say that they are still one of my favorite bands of all time mainly just for staying so consistent with their sound without sounding monotonous. It's a shame to hear about Ben's health struggles and I hope he continuous to get better, healthier, and stronger. Great video Finn!

[@nevenshadoenew503]

One of the best sounding live bands I’ve ever seen/heard! Right up there with Godsmack and Primus/Les Claypool!!!

[@Codarius]

The exact same timeline here. I'm going to be 30 this year and found them when I was 13, they were on my sister's iPod shuffle that I had stolen.

[@jakeklossing4352]

They should put them on the soundtrack of the new Twisted Metal game lol (fingers crossed)

[@perfectenrager]

One of the most underrated bands ever. All of their albums are great.

[@Marlo-138]

Angels Fall is my favorite Breaking Benjamin song. However, So Cold ALWAYS gets cranked up to max. *Love* that song.

[@PlantsAndBlink]

"Firefly" from that one wrestling video game was such a jam

[@PuroresuFan]

The original SmackDown vs RAW for the PS2 was my first exposure to this band, because of that very song. Playing that game on release day and hearing such a dark song on it was a game changer for me as a young boy. I stayed a BB fan ever since that day and I often wish Breaking Benjamin could've done an official theme song for a wrestling Pay-Per-View. Almost every wrestling company (both mainstream and indy promotions) were more adult-oriented when the band was at their peak, so their lyrics would've fit, I think.

[@LoFoSho]

That was my intro song in the game lol that and polyamorous

[@AVENUENIGHTS]

WWE Day of Reckoning. That's the first time I heard them too.

[@akantor0811]

Smack down vs raw awesome game and firefly was always my intro 😂

[@allthingschrisee9350]

Yoooo, idek that was them but loved it. It all makes since now 😂

[@tuckerboyden8087]

Ben's live vocals are incredible. I've seen these guys a few times and they're consistently great.

[@user-yz6xd5kv3u]

They are never mentioned as a favorite band, but you bring them up and it’s like, “oh yeah, forgot about them, I love them”. I took a friend to their concert who lumped them in with Shinedown and 3 Days Grace. He’s a fan now. They’re amazing live

[@jeremysoled8891]

My favorite band is braking Benjamin

[@BethanyGrey1]

No matter what, they will forever be my all-time favorite band ❤

[@personpeoplehime]

The breakdown from The Diary of Jane hooked me on heavy music

[@Gabe-vj5ho]

Consistent, that's how'd I'd describe Breaking Benjamin. I've been a casual fan since their first album. They put out catchy music and put on a good live show.

[@MikeHoncho610]

Absolutely one of the best live bands. Especially when it was their original lineup

[@thebenis3219]

Breaking Benjamin is the band everyone who complains "Why did they change their sound? New one sucks!" about their favorite bands wishes they would be lol.

[@adamreynolds8270]

I started out on Phobia, I have been an unwavering fan ever since. If they come around close and I can get tickets, I'm there. Breaking Benjamin hits on certain emotions with their music. Some people it resonates with, others just don't get it. I feel their music and it gets me every time.

[@trevormcdow3178]

Years ago, I read somewhere online the name was created when Ben would accidentally drop mics at the venue he started playing at to where the manager called him out for it by saying "stop breaking the microphone benjamin"

[@TimmyTickle]

I heard that what was said was "I'd like to thank Benjamin for breaking my fucking mic"

[@pesticidesludge]

i’m a 22 year old father and my sons middle name is benjamin. named after this band. red cold river makes me think of my son every time i listen to it. such a wonderful band (:

[@ratmachine87]

So Cold is still their best song IMO.

[@gryph3911]

Agreed 100%

[@ThyArtIsMetal]

In retrospect that song had a ridiculously massive influence on my taste.

[@chriskasowski4743]

Hell yeah

[@commiehunter733]

Definitely a top song

[@Necronympelia]

Fuck yea. I love that song.

[@benmcgiggles7655]

Its so crazy that I only really discovered Breaking Benjamin last year. I had heard the name for years, but wouldn't be able to name a song. Then I went to go see Disturbed and Breaking Benjamin opened, and I thought their set was so ridiculously good, I was kicking myself for never giving them a shot before. When I got home, I immediately began listening through their whole discography, and they're easily my favorite band of all time now. So excited for the next album whenever it drops. Also, my name is Benjamin and I'm from Pennsylvania, so theres a nice little connection I feel there too

[@Sinisterx18]

Rarely is there a band that so consistently releases great material, that also consistently seems to improve upon their previous releases. They stay true to their sound, while also changing it up enough to stay fresh. This is probably why I love Breaking Benjamin so much, one of the goats for sure. Loved the video as well!

[@Failtasmagoria]

Love BB, always have, always will. Can put their entire library on random and repeat with no skips and no regrets.

[@noahharris9093]

Also couldn’t tell which album the songs are from since they’ve been following the same song structure for over a decade. No hate tho they kick ass

[@PreFXDesigns]

@@noahharris9093 I agree, there are songs I thought were a lot older but it's no secret they have been putting out songs with the same/very similar formula. It just works so I don't mind it either. If they do however choose to go another way, I will always respect it nomatter what.

[@deadinthewater218]

Wow hard to do these days

[@Failtasmagoria]

@@deadinthewater218 I can count on one hand the bands I can do this with.

[@Failtasmagoria]

@noahharris9093 it's the Nickleback effect. They found their sound, fine tuned it, know their audience, and will ride that formula until they retire.

[@plagueofangel8694]

I am 32, and everytime i pick up a guitar...some deep, dark part of me that i thought i abandoned when i left middle school awakens and i must fight it lest i rip into the so cold riff. Also did anyone notice ben sometimes has a kermit the frog voice on their first album

[@spyda_mang5673]

I always thought the guy sounded like a walrus. A cool walrus.

[@thcrmsnchn1056]

Ha, it’s funny you mention that song in particular! The intro to So Cold was the first riff I ever learned on guitar when I was like 14.

[@jsalvatori]

The kermit voice comes out occasionally on single words throughout their career

[@plagueofangel8694]

@@thcrmsnchn1056 polyamorous was the first song I ever learned on guitar when I realized how to read tabs. I remember showing my mom that I could play a song when she got home from work and she was so proud of my absolute butchered attempt at the song on a Walmart guitar that I didn't tune that she cried and proceeded to brag to my entire family. Miss u, mama

[@LegendaryGoetz]

@@plagueofangel8694love it

[@MrSir2552]

As a Pennsylvanian, I am SO happy that you got the pronunciation of Wilkes-Barre correctly. So many peoples pronounce it “bear” or “bar” but in reality it’s “berry” Edit: With the mention of Motionless in White, here’s a fun tidbit of information. MiW is from Scranton, PA. Which, coincidentally, is only about a 30 minute drive from Wilkes-Barre.

[@robbyshowers6367]

Breaking Benjamin is actually from Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania

[@jamesdarrigo8277]

So glad you made this video, they're my favorite band of all time!!

[@psypsy751]

I put Ben up there with Chester Bennington for how easy and flawlessly he goes from clean to harsh vocals and how good those sound. If they had a rapper at that point in time they would've been just as popular but I'm glad they stuck to their honest angsty selves.

[@Jaydenclub1127]

Rest in peace chester😢

[@yeagermyster3]

So much talent comes flying out of random places in PA, blows my mind every time.

[@MrSir2552]

It makes my Pennsylvanian heart happy to know so many huge bands have come from here, and in such little places. Like Halestorm is from Red Lion, who the hell outside of PA has even heard of that place lol

[@stevegoodrich9038]

16:04 Sauske vs Naruto featuring Trapt... what an accurate stereotype 🤣 some of my best high school memories

[@Kritacul]

I went into my adulthood hearing “So Cold” and was HOOKED. Phenomenal band, them and Chevelle(a band you should do a History on) got me through some rough stuff and I continue to listen to till this day.

[@DrDipsh1t]

Timeless band. Ben did a fantastic job evolving the sound "just right" to keep it familiar but also bring fresh elements to keep it from feeling stale. Straight bangers for decades.

[@vriofthesev]

My mom and I used to listen to Breaking Benjamin while we played RuneScape together. They’re so nostalgic. Side note - My mother is a bad ass RuneScape player and she got me into heavy music. I love my mom❤

[@c00pdaddy65]

This made me miss 8th grade… it was RuneScape and Naruto or dbz amv’s all day.

[@Mvgical]

And halo 3 :D

[@thebenis3219]

That's actually incredibly endearing. Cheers!

[@oops6876]

Big W mom ❤️

[@TheAqualegend]

GOATed mother

[@MDvanDyk]

I completely forgot about them for the past few years and thanks to your vid I just added Phobia back on my playlist. Thanks :)

[@yellowrich]

One of my fave bands❤

[@bt0694]

I’m 44 and I can’t tell you how much I miss MTV, in the 90’s when I got home from high school or work it was all that was on my TV. I found so many great bands that led to other great bands. My kids try and say KZbin Music is the same, but they never knew how great MTV really was.

[@connornave93]

30 years old here, i first heard Breaking Benjamin when i got a free demo cd from a rock magazine back in 2002, it had papa roach, thirty seconds to mars, blindside, and Breaking Benjamin on it. What a time 🔥

[@secretbeach999]

Awesome video as always brotha. Thanks.

[@jenniferkleine4713]

I'm 55 saw BB in 2017. Best concert I've ever been too. Looking forward to seeing them in 2024 in Chicago with Staind and Doughtry. Just got my tickets!

[@MarcusMaddox91]

Have you talked about Rise Against yet? I'd love to hear about a history of them.

[@michaelwright4810]

YEEEEESSSSSSS!!!!!!

[@dmike3507]

Rise Against is fucking awesome. I'm surprised they're not one of the top 5 best-selling rock bands of the past 20 years.

[@MarcusMaddox91]

@@dmike3507 They're the only band I own a physical copy of their whole discography so I agree.

[@spfadden082711]

Yeah rise against is one of my favorites. Another random cd I bought when I was younger that turned out to be great.

[@RazorBladezX]

It’s cause they support PETA is the reason they aren’t up there

[@mg682]

Amvs. My gateway for all the 90s nu-metal and 00s post-grunge music. BB was number one for me. Listened to them for years and they got me through my school years!

[@ianmcintyre5631]

Long overdue post-mortem. Good stuff and thanks, Finn.

[@pigskin_spinner]

The intro couldn't be more true where my first introduction to them was in WWE video games with Day of Reckoning & the earlier SVR games. Rocking out like a madman (still to this day) and it got me liking bands similar to or heavier than them. Glad to see a video on them and you've done a great job on the vids.

[@blackmesacake5361]

Man i used to looooooove Saturate, front to back

[@Szczaqu]

the closer stuck with me the most

[@MScotty90]

1:17 My first 'real' rock concert in 2004 was Earshot, Shinedown, Breaking Benjamin, and Chevelle. 20 years on, I have overplayed the Infant Annihilator catalog so much that I can't even listen to it anymore. You speak the truth.

[@DCT97]

The ultimate mid-2000s Alt metal lineup

[@JasonTzzz]

Earshot was a poor man's Tool. Pulse Ultra was a poor man's Earshot. Chevelle, Breaking Benjamin, and Shinedown are outstanding bands that are still relevant 20+ years later.

[@ShawnKDooley]

Used to love them back in the day. Kind of music you'd cruise to on a warm summer day with the windows down and you could sing right along word for word. Lot of fond memories listening to their music.

[@jamesg5703]

So glad you made a video on these guys, probably one of the biggest gate way bands for me personally and I never saw them get the credit they deserve nice one 👌🏼

[@Mylifeinthepits]

The guitarist and bassist were originally in a band called Strangers with Candy. They appeared on MTVs ultimate cover bad competition and came in second. They soon changed the name to Lifer, got signed and had their debut album produced by Alex Lifeson of Rush. Lifer played alot where I am from (Ky, WV, OH area) so when BB came out, alot of us thought it was basically Lifer with a new singer.

[@3r0ck17]

I was waiting for this. Saw SWC at Wilkes University shortly before 97X (local radio station) started to promote BB’s first album. Ben basically stole Aaron and Mark from SWC and then made an album. It was a crazy time for the local music scene. Lots more to BB story that was left out here but I get it. Hit the big points pretty well.

[@drewamongstus]

I am from Wilkes Barre and I was surprised this wasn’t mentioned. It was a big deal for their band.

[@Holdem17]

I saw A7X, Breaking Benjamin and Bullet for My Valentine 6 years ago. Great show.

[@MrSir2552]

I went to a show on that tour! Man, it was like nostalgia the tour, one of my favorites

[@princeofdeath7696]

I feel like A7X just completely fell off after Nightmare. Now they're trying way too hard will all the NFT/Metaverse garbage.

[@emilywalla8958]

holy shit same, was so awesome! one of my best memories with a buddy at the time, was it really six years ago already

[@casiosean2]

I just wanna say that their cover of Iris with diamante was divine. Coming out during covid game me so much solace.

[@Rabidraccoon27]

Give Me a Sign, Dear Agony, So Cold, and even some of their newer stuff like Red Cold River and Torn in Two are just so good you can feel the emotion infused into them.

[@ADStudiosOfficial]

Been waiting for this one. BB is my favorite band, and probably always will be. As a singer and guitarist myself who is the primary songwriter and “band dad”, if you will, I relate to Ben a lot. Loved to see their massive return and triumph despite all the bad events that have happened throughout their career. Will always support this band. Thanks Finn!

[@jaimeromero7291]

I dont know if Ben will ever know how big of an impact this band and himself have made to many of us, me included. And I plan on seeing them someday because to me, they are the Beatles of this era.

[@Monius13]

There's so many things that can be said about Breaking Benjamin. One thing that really stood out to me is that they transcended every time. There's a lot of bands that hit a point they can't surpass, but Breaking Benjamin always did. That's crazy to think about, especially when you don't hear their name as much anymore. Their influence on fans and bands alike is probably unmatched for most modern musicians, even across genres. They're not somebody I would consider one of my favorite bands of all time, but I have a lot of respect for them and fully believe they deserve the love they get. Thanks for the video!

[@Trev0413]

Listening to BB and Trapt and grinding World of Warcraft in high school with my bro and best friend are always a time I'll never forget.

[@DK-Design]

My WoW grinding album was Ekotren - Light the Fire and my (now Ex) wife's was BB.

[@WRist1027]

dude yes lol BB "I will not bow" and just playing WoW

[@user-od9jz4zv9c]

yes playing wow ... with a low setup PC ...songs downloaded played on winamp ...xD @@WRist1027

[@BrockWalshCTD]

Awesome video as always! I love the first 3 records from Breaking Benjamin! I gotta check out that most recent one. Sounds awesome!

[@steves12strings]

Ember's storyline (and the whole album) is so overlooked but it's incredible.

[@nicgundy]

Ironic I reignited my Breaking Ben kick last week

[@davidfariello3972]

Me too

[@MisterAutist]

Sometimes for me, I get that kick too. I'm mostly into old school post-hardcore, metalcore, and screamo and all, but I'll always respect Breaking Benjamin. It's also good to put on for bike rides.

[@applebottomjeans1951]

Never heard Finn mention Starset before. I hope we get a video on them in the future!

[@No-sr5fb]

Agreed!

[@justinyoung9]

This is the first video I have seen from this channel. I will definitely be back for more! I don't usually watch videos like this, but this one was different. Subscribed!

[@Alipticalaxislaughs]

Breaking benjamin has always been and will forever be my favorite band, not only is the music amazing but the backstory is deep and makes you love it more!

[@The_Bass_Stunters]

For anyone ever wondering if your life would be better without alcohol? ABSOLUTELY!! I’ve got 5 years going on 6 years dry and my God!!! My life has drastically turned around and honestly wish I’d of done this in my 20s! It’s absolutely worth the struggle to get sober! May God bless anyone currently going through that struggle!

[@sonictommo22]

I have over 3000 liked songs on Spotify. And it’s very rarely I’ll skip a Benjamin Breaking Song.

[@archadias1]

What a great video. I've been a fan of BB for 20 years, and it was great to learn even more.

[@H484R]

idk if it's just the nostalgia, but Saturate and We Are Not Alone are my 2 favorite albums from them. Granted, i'm currently reminiscing about being 14 years old, laying in bed with my over-the-ear, behind-the-head wraparound headphones to my Walkman CD-player jamming the album on repeat while I fell asleep

[@caseyjones5145]

Oh man , breath is still my favorite song by BB, so good. Breaking Benjamin is what Killswitch would've been if their dads stuck around.

[@Solo_Sessums]

Man i love that band. I never knew they went through that much strife. Completely puts Dear Agony in a new light to me.

[@joehooper89]

Man, even just hearing the little clips in this video was enough to hit me hard in the feels. I've seen em 3 times with my brother/best friend who recently passed

[@sleepytimereadalongs186]

Saturate was an album that I had on repeat. Takes me back to my high school days when I was lifting weights before football season. Always got me amped.

[@Esliminator]

I already liked this band, but hearing stories of Ben overcoming his alcoholism was really inspiring to me as someone who's also dealing with addiction issues, and it made me love the band even more. I'm so pumped to go see them in April!

[@cmurockstar]

I was a Lifer fan, so I have been into Breaking Benjamin since day one. Love these guys.

[@Bawzton]

A fellow Lifer enjoyer! I love them so much.

[@Dustinchugs]

I’m surprised Finn didn’t mention this!

[@Bawzton]

Me too. Maybe it was just an oversight or he didnt feel it was too important i guess.

[@RememberingGames]

The melodies and songwriting of this band are out of this world. Everything is so catchy and memorable while being decently intricate.

[@chrismccarthy5275]

Well said. Ive always had a soft spot for BB because one of my best friends in college loved these guys. We don't speak much anymore but anytime a track from Phobia pops up on a playlist i remember that person and those times so very fondly. And when they drop something new i listen hoping that my friend is enjoying it as much as i am, 15 years and several thousand miles distant.

[@wyllb]

Finn, I learned a lot in this video. It was educational & eye opening. It makes me want to go back and listen to the albums and songs knowing all of this now. I've been a BB fan since '05, so thanks for taking the time to talk about a band I never thought would get the credit they earned. Cheers man.

[@Mr.Bob_Dobalina]

If we're going down this route, please do '10 Years', I haven't kept up with them in a long time but I think they never quite got the recognition they deserved.

[@strmhendrix2582]

I got into Breaking Benjamin when I was in high school back in 2010 when I heard "I Will Not Bow" on TV (which was surprising because my country doesn't normally play rock music on TV or radio) and I was hooked instantly, and he was right - I started deep delving into their music, especially with AMVs. I saw "Breath" in the Pain VS Hanzo fight and I fell in love. Ever since then, I've kept up with every album and honestly, despite the recent lawsuit I still hope to hear new content from Ben, if he ever reforms the band. Honestly one of the greatest bands of all time

[@michaeltaylorhghghgsaved6114]

I'm so glad this band made it through the years. I haven't heard a single bad song form BB. When these guys eventually retire, theres gonna be a huge void in the rock world.

[@KillerKokomi]

Im mad at how long it took for me to rediscover breaking benjamin, but im so glad I did. I love all their albums from saturate to ember and they've always kept their sound

[@quieteyes881]

Phobia is one of my favorite albums of all time. Can still jam it front to back non-stop. Up there with American Idiot, City of Evil, and Homesick.

[@user-sd2fx6gt8e]

The bass playing on Dark before Dawn always stuck out to me as a style I haven’t heard before on this type of band.

[@Faven2011]

Aaron Brunch does a lot of slap bass on a few songs. I really like the new line up.

[@0MidnighttheDragon0]

That AMV being how you find Breaking Benjamin hits so true. Spyro AMV, I Will Not Bow. Still remember it to this day, and still a big part of why that song is my favorite BB song.

[@13b80p49b91]

BB is that kinda band which you don't listen all day, but you do maybe not in this or the last month, but you keep coming back to them and enjoy their music like you did 15-20yrs ago. Amazing band, can't wait to hear some new stuff.

[@Zane_Doe]

Finn has finally completed his transformation into The Buttrock MBA

[@AffectionateMaggot]

A lot of metal fans start with buttrock and progress into metal. That's just a fact

[@trevorwalden6097]

Gotta make that bread, lol

[@Frederick0220]

The Butt Rock label on Breaking Benjamin is absurd. Their sound is way more layered and developed than a Nickleback or a Five Finger Death Punch. Also, Ben is one of the most melodic rock vocalists of all-time and both their choruses and non-choruses are very sonically pleasing.

[@tidy5156]

​@Frederick0220 woah wohh let me stop you right there. Nickelback for sure has these radio songs and not all their lyrics are ingenious. But then again they have so many meaningful songs and stretch pretty much from grunge to alt metal.

[@kingjbone1]

Absolutely! 100% spot on! @@Frederick0220

[@DoubleZWWE]

Breaking Benjamin has become my favorite band of all-time. I remembering hearing their music for the first time in 2011 (I was in college at the time) and was looking for new music recommendations to listen to. Listened to one video that had multiple song recommendations in it and it included the chorus of "The Diary of Jane" in it. Stopped the video, listened to the song several times, and became hooked very quickly. "The Diary of Jane" has become my favorite song ever and it's no surprise that the band dominates my Spotify playlist.

[@Vhalan53]

I have seen these guys live so many times, love them!

[@MelomanoAdicto]

Man I love this band. Their music literally saved me!

[@travisdelee8647]

Saturate is still one of my favorites of all time. Right up there with LD50.

[@JonnnyStorrrm]

LD50 is a masterpiece

[@halomasamune2762]

My Gateway Band was Papa Roach, it was an AMV, Rurouni Kenshin Last Resort. Then Metallica, Andrew W.K., Disturbed, anything LOUD! I Love Breaking Benjamin, but I didn't actually know about them until Phobia, then I was hooked.

[@guitfidle]

I saw them live a few years ago, BB absolutely blew me away. And Ben himself seems like a genuinely great guy. Funny enough Three Days Grace and Chevelle opened for them. Great show

[@dominicspizzirri4399]

I never thought I’d see you do a video on BB. Love this band. They’re definitely a product of their time, but never released a dud. Such a great band.