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Band Timeline
2004
Formation of Escape the Fate in Nevada
Escape the Fate formed in 2004 in Pahrump, Nevada. Founding members included lead vocalist Ronnie Radke, lead guitarist Bryan Monte Money, bassist Max Green, drummer Robert Ortiz, and rhythm guitarist Omar Espinosa, who had all played together in various bands prior. The formation marked the start of their journey in the American rock scene with Ortiz as the only remaining original member today.
2005
Winning a local radio contest and early recognition
In September 2005, Escape the Fate won a local radio contest judged by the band My Chemical Romance. This victory allowed them to open for My Chemical Romance on their headlining tour along with Alkaline Trio and Reggie and the Full Effect. These early opportunities helped the band build a fanbase and led to their signing with Epitaph Records.
2006
Release of debut EP and first full-length album
In May 2006, Escape the Fate released their debut EP There's No Sympathy for the Dead, produced by Michael Baskette. This release helped garner attention from fans and the music industry. Later that year, in September, they released their debut full-length album Dying Is Your Latest Fashion. The album featured Ronnie Radke as the lead vocalist and achieved moderate chart success on Billboard’s Heatseeker and Top Independent charts.
2007
Departure of rhythm guitarist Omar Espinosa and legal troubles of Ronnie Radke
In November 2007, rhythm guitarist Omar Espinosa left Escape the Fate due to personal issues and formed another band called Perfect Like Me. Around the same time, Ronnie Radke faced serious legal issues including involvement in an altercation resulting in a fatal shooting. Although Radke did not shoot the victim, he was charged with battery and given probation. This period marked instability within the band’s lineup.
2008
Firing of Ronnie Radke and arrival of Craig Mabbitt
In mid-2008, Ronnie Radke was fired following his arrest for violating probation and subsequent imprisonment. The band recruited Craig Mabbitt, previously of Blessthefall, as their new lead vocalist. Mabbitt had toured with Escape the Fate prior and officially joined during this turbulent time. This lineup change was pivotal for the band’s future direction.
2008
Release of second album 'This War Is Ours' with Craig Mabbitt
Escape the Fate released their second studio album This War Is Ours in October 2008, featuring new vocalist Craig Mabbitt. The album debuted at number 35 on the Billboard 200, selling 13,000 copies in its first week. This release demonstrated the band’s ability to reinvent themselves successfully with a new frontman and solidified their presence in the post-hardcore and rock scenes.
2010
Third album 'Escape the Fate' debuts at highest Billboard position
In 2010, Escape the Fate released their self-titled third studio album. This release marked a career highlight, reaching number 25 on the Billboard 200—their highest chart position to date. The album continued to showcase the band’s evolving sound with Mabbitt as lead vocalist and helped cement their status within the rock music genre.
2013
Release of fourth album 'Ungrateful' and charting single
Escape the Fate released their fourth studio album Ungrateful in 2013. The album featured the single “One for the Money,” which became their highest-charting song on the U.S. Mainstream Rock charts. This period reflected the band’s continued commercial success and ability to produce popular music that resonated with rock audiences.
2021
Seventh album 'Chemical Warfare' released under Big Noise label
Signed to John Feldmann's Big Noise label, Escape the Fate released their seventh studio album Chemical Warfare in 2021. This album represented the band’s ongoing activity and relevance in the rock world well over 15 years after formation. The album’s themes and production reflected the band’s maturity and experience gained through their long career.
2023
Release of eighth album 'Out of the Shadows'
Escape the Fate released their eighth and most recent studio album Out of the Shadows in 2023. This album showcases the band’s continued creativity and resilience in the evolving music landscape. With a lineup including original drummer Robert Ortiz, the band maintains its commitment to producing music that connects with both longtime fans and new listeners.
Albums
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Members
Current
Name
Begin
Occupation
Kevin Gruft
2013
Bass guitar
Background vocals
Keyboard
Guitar
Robert Ortiz
2004
Percussion
Background vocals
Drums (drum set)
Matti Hoffman
2021
Guitar
TJ Bell
2012
Bass guitar
Guitar
Craig Mabbitt
2008
Lead vocals
History
Name
Begin
End
Occupation
Monte Money
2004
2013
Keyboard
Monte Money
2004
2013
Guitar
Michael Money
2012
2013
Guitar
Omar Espinosa
2004
2007
Guitar
Ronnie Radke
2004
2008
Lead vocals
Omar Espinosa
2004
2007
Background vocals
Carson Allen
2005
2006
Keyboard
Max Green
2004
2012
Bass guitar
Monte Money
2004
2013
Background vocals
Carson Allen
2005
2006
Synthesizer
Max Green
2013
2014
Bass guitar
Story of Escape the Fate
Hailing from Las Vegas, Nevada, Escape the Fate emerged onto the scene in 2004, originally from the nearby town of Pahrump. The band's current lineup features vocalist Craig Mabbitt, guitarists Matti Hoffman and TJ Bell, bassist Erik Jensen, and drummer Robert Ortiz – the sole remaining founding member.
Their journey began with the 2006 debut album, Dying Is Your Latest Fashion, fronted by original vocalist Ronnie Radke. However, Radke's 2006 legal troubles led to his dismissal and replacement by Mabbitt (formerly of Blessthefall). This shift marked a turning point, resulting in This War Is Ours (2008), their first album with Mabbitt. The album debuted strongly at #35 on the Billboard 200, selling 13,000 copies in its first week.
Escape the Fate's self-titled third album (2010) reached a career high of #25 on the Billboard 200. Ungrateful (2013), their fourth studio album, further solidified their position, boasting "One for the Money," their highest-charting single on the US Mainstream Rock charts. The band's history is marked by both musical evolution and significant lineup changes, with Ortiz as the steadfast anchor through it all.
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