Underoath push back at fans upset over swearing in new song
[Photo by: Nick Fancher]
Last week, Underoath unveiled their urgent new comeback single “On My Teeth,” and most fans shared their love for the track.
However, a number of fans were taken aback by the band's use of “fuck” in the lyrics. (“I'm not your fucking prey”) Some of their faith-oriented fans were caught off guard, considering the band's Christian start—and members of the band have responded.
Read more: Underoath announce U.S. “Nø Fix” tour
Some fans explained that they were disappointed in the band's use of the word:
Yeah but it goes against the image you created all these last few years. I mean u wouldn't say that in your worship albums right? It don't bother me and I'm far from being a perfect Christian but you know kids look up to you. Gotta remove “self” but I know u know this. God bless
— Joe Protoman3200 (@protoman3200) February 24, 2018
It doesn't make you evil but it is different to listeners who have been listening to you guys for over a decade and followed you through both your Christian/Post You times.
It's kind of like listening to the end of an era that meant a lot to us.
Your music means a lot to us
— Clifton McGilvray (@OMGDrAcula) February 24, 2018
I’ll still listen because your guys music I connected with, but you set a precedent years ago, and were different from the others. So I’m sure people are a little shocked.
— Kevin Haun (@TheHaunestTruth) February 23, 2018
It's interesting you try to justify it after making worship records. I guess you like to pick and choose parts of the Bible that you like the best. I guess the leading people to Christ thing wasn't for you.
— ShellVOX (@ShellVOX) February 24, 2018
Though Underoath explained previously that they are no longer a Christian band, Aaron Gillespie and Spencer Chamberlain shared direct replies with listeners that had strong reactions to the track's lyrical content.
you never seen an r rated movie have you… pg13 for you
— aaron gillespie (@aaronrgillespie) February 24, 2018
Hahaha I love that it’s evil to people just because we haven’t been a “Christian band” since 2009…��
— Spencer Chamberlain (@wschamberlain) February 24, 2018
We announced that we weren’t Christian in like 2009
— Spencer Chamberlain (@wschamberlain) February 24, 2018
we are not a Christian band
— aaron gillespie (@aaronrgillespie) February 25, 2018
The two took to Twitter to follow up, explaining that the band are the “healthiest and happiest” they have ever been—and that there are way bigger things to focus on than using “fuck” in a song.
“We may have different viewpoints or beliefs that you may or may NOT have but that certainly does NOT mean we are lost or in a worse spot than before. We’ve all grown…a lot,” Chamberlain writes.
See their responses below:
If you say “fuck” people think you’re evil these days? We got waaaaaay bigger stuff to talk about folks. Waayyy bigger
— aaron gillespie (@aaronrgillespie) February 23, 2018
Words are words. Expletives are used to make emphasis in my opinion. If curse words offend you I’m sorry, you should stay in your safe place and not venture out into the world. People hurt, people mess up, people sometimes just need to say something like “fuck” to explain that
— aaron gillespie (@aaronrgillespie) February 24, 2018
If it’s better for you, stay in a situation where you’re safe to only hear g rated things. You’re life will be more fulfilling, as for me I’m gonna be honest, I’m gonna spill my guts and I’m gonna say whatever I deem necessary to do so.
— aaron gillespie (@aaronrgillespie) February 24, 2018
So here’s the thing… Underoath is the healthiest and happiest we have ever been in our entire career, we may have different viewpoints or beliefs that you may or may NOT have but that certainly does NOT mean we are lost or in a worse spot than before.
We’ve all grown…a lot— Spencer Chamberlain (@wschamberlain) February 25, 2018
Erase Me, the band’s new album, is slated for release on Fearless Records April 6. It's currently available for preorder here.
The band will be embarking on a spring trek across the U.S., dubbed the “Nø Fix” tour. Dance Gavin Dance, Veil Of Maya and LIMBS will be supporting Underoath on this run, and tickets will go on sale this Friday at 10 a.m. EST here.
Check out the full list of cities and dates below!
Dates:
04/20 – Las Vegas, NV @ Las Rageous
04/27 – Jacksonville, FL @ Welcome to Rockville
04/28 – Sunrise, FL @ Fort Rock
04/30 – Birmingham, AL @ Iron City
05/01 – Athens, GA @ Georgia Theatre
05/03 – Knoxville, TN @ Mill and Mine
05/04 – Charlotte, NC @ Carolina Rebellion
05/05 – Lynchburg, VA @ Phase 2
05/06 – Bethlehem, PA @ The Sands
05/08 – Baltimore, MD @ Rams Head Live
05/09 – Wallingford, CT @ The Dome at Oakdale
05/11 – Providence, RI @ Fete Ballroom
05/12 – Niagara Falls, NY @ Rapids
05/14 – Des Moines, IA @ Wooly’s
05/15 – Sauget, IL @ Pop’s
05/16 – Ft. Wayne, IN @ Piere’s
05/18 – Columbus, OH @ Rock On The Range
05/19 – Lexington, KY @ Manchester Music Hall
05/20 – Springfield, MO @ Gillioz
05/22 – Corpus Christi, TX @ Concrete Street Amphitheatre
05/23 – Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall
05/24 – Dallas, TX @ Bomb Factory
05/25 – Little Rock, AR @ Metroplex
05/26 – Pryor, OK @ Rocklahoma
Watch more: UNDERØATH: Rebirth interview