SEVENDUST: The Underdogs Who Refuse to Fade Away
In a recent candid conversation with Jonathan Graham from Thinking About Guitar, SEVENDUST's guitarist Clint Lowery peeled back the layers on the band’s tumultuous journey, revealing their near-retirement talks two years ago. The confession came hot on the heels of drummer Morgan Rose's admission about considering an end to the legendary band's run before diving into their fifteenth studio album, "One". Lowery’s reflections paint a portrait of a band at a crossroads, navigating personal commitments and the relentless demands of the road.
"Everyone in the band has their own threshold," Lowery shared, shedding light on the delicate balance between family life and the all-consuming nature of touring. With young kids in high school and involved in sports, Clint finds himself at a crossroads that could pull him away from the grind. Yet, he emphasizes the respect between band members, noting that they allow each other the space to step back when necessary. "I take everything as a tour at a time. I don’t try to predict when the end will be," he stated, adding a touch of spirituality to the uncertainty of their future.
Lowery’s love for performing remains, even as he acknowledges the toll that years of touring take on a body that’s been through the wringer. He draws inspiration from legends like Ronnie James Dio and Bruce Dickinson, asserting that as long as they maintain their quality, there's no need to hang up their boots just yet. "But honestly, full disclosure, we need to survive. It pays our bills. It's our livelihood, and we love the people, man. That’s a hard thing to give up," he confessed, revealing the raw truth behind the music industry’s often-grueling reality.
SEVENDUST has long been regarded as one of the most underrated forces in hard rock and alternative metal. Lowery embraces this label with gratitude, believing that the band's legacy lies in their longevity and stability, navigating the highs and lows of an unforgiving industry. "We’ve been blessed to remain somewhat relevant in the metal scene and the rock scene, and that’s the win," he proclaimed, acknowledging the unwavering loyalty of their fans while reveling in the underdog status that has defined their career.
In a surprising twist, Lowery revealed that he had recently completed his first tour as a “saved Christian,” a transformation that has significantly influenced his life and music. However, he was quick to clarify that while his faith has grown, SEVENDUST is not pivoting to a Christian band. As the discussions of retirement resurfaced this past May, Rose echoed the sentiment of commitment to the fans and the journey, stating, "Instead of parking the car here, why don’t we just put it all the way into drive?" The message is clear: SEVENDUST is not done yet, and they are ready to burn the car out rather than coast to a stop.