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Band Timeline

2000

Formation of Silverstein and early releases

Silverstein, a Canadian post-hardcore band, was formed in February 2000 in Burlington, Ontario. The band is named in homage to the famed children's author Shel Silverstein. In their inception year, Silverstein self-released their first EP titled 'Summer's Stellar Gaze', showcasing their early sound and laying the groundwork for their future in the post-hardcore and emo music scene. During this period, the band also experienced several lineup changes before stabilizing with key members including lead vocalist Shane Told and bassist Billy Hamilton.
2002

Signing with Victory Records and preparation for debut full-length album

In October 2002, Silverstein signed with Victory Records, marking a significant step toward wider recognition and professional recording. At this time, their lineup solidified with Hamilton joining after learning the band's music via an online message board. The band subsequently recorded material, including their EP 'When the Shadows Beam', to prepare for their first full-length album, positioning themselves within the growing post-hardcore and emo scenes in North America.
2003

Release of debut album 'When Broken Is Easily Fixed'

Silverstein released their debut studio album, 'When Broken Is Easily Fixed', on May 20, 2003, through Victory Records. The album contained six re-recorded tracks from their earlier EPs, blending emo, hardcore, and heavy metal elements. It was recorded at Unity Gain and Mount Fairview studios with producer Justin Koop. The album was well-received and sold over 200,000 copies, exceeding expectations. This release established Silverstein not only as a promising new band in the post-hardcore genre but also gained them a dedicated fanbase and critical attention.
2005

Breakthrough with 'Discovering the Waterfront' album

Silverstein released their second studio album, 'Discovering the Waterfront', in August 2005. This album marked a commercial breakthrough, earning them moderate success and reaching number 34 on the Billboard 200 charts. It was notable for its polished post-hardcore sound and emotionally charged lyrics. The album was also nominated for a Juno Award, Canada's prestigious music award, confirming the band's growing influence and reputation in the rock and alternative music landscape both in Canada and internationally.
2001-2012

Stable lineup and creative consistency

From May 2001 to July 2012, Silverstein maintained a consistent lineup featuring Shane Told (lead vocals), Neil Boshart (lead guitar), Josh Bradford (rhythm guitar), Billy Hamilton (bass), and Paul Koehler (drums). This stability contributed to the band's creative output and on-stage chemistry, allowing them to build a solid catalog of music including several studio albums. The collective synergy among members helped the band sustain their momentum in the post-hardcore scene and maintain a dedicated fan base during this decade.
2010

Departure from Victory Records

After nearly eight years with Victory Records, Silverstein parted ways with the label in 2010. This move reflected the band's desire for fresh opportunities and greater control over their music. Post-Victory Records, Silverstein signed with new labels including Hopeless Records and later Rise Records, marking a new phase in their career. The transition allowed them to explore different artistic directions and adapt to the evolving music industry landscape in the 2010s.
2012

Lineup change with the dismissal of Neil Boshart

In September 2012, Silverstein announced the firing of their longtime lead guitarist Neil Boshart after more than a decade with the band. He was replaced by Paul Marc Rousseau, who also contributed backing vocals alongside bassist Billy Hamilton. This lineup change was significant as it ended a period of over a decade of member stability and introduced fresh dynamics into the band's creative process and live performances.
2020

Release of 'A Beautiful Place to Drown' and Juno nomination

In March 2020, Silverstein released their tenth studio album, 'A Beautiful Place to Drown', continuing their legacy in the post-hardcore genre. The album was well-received critically and commercially and was nominated for a 2021 Juno Award in the 'Best Rock Album' category. This nomination reaffirmed Silverstein's sustained relevance and artistic impact in the Canadian music scene 20 years after their formation.
2022

Release of 'Misery Made Me' album

Silverstein released their eleventh studio album, 'Misery Made Me', in 2022, further expanding their discography and showcasing their continued evolution as a band. The album reflects their commitment to their post-hardcore roots while incorporating refined musical elements gained through over two decades of experience. This release highlights the band’s endurance and adaptability within the modern rock and alternative music markets.
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Billy Hamilton

2000

Bass

Background vocals

Shane Told

2000

Bass guitar

Lead vocals

Paul-Marc Rousseau

2012

Background vocals

Paul Koehler

2000

Drums (drum set)

Paul-Marc Rousseau

2012

Guitar

Josh Bradford

2000

Guitar

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Neil Boshart

2001
2012

Guitar

Richard McWalter

2000
2001

Guitar

Background vocals

Story of Silverstein

Silverstein, the Burlington, Ontario-based post-hardcore band formed in 2000, takes its name from children's author Shel Silverstein, a source of childhood inspiration for the members. Since their inception, they've built a prolific discography encompassing eleven studio albums, seven EPs, a compilation album, and a live DVD/CD, selling over one million albums worldwide.

Their breakthrough came with Discovering the Waterfront (their second studio album), which earned a Juno Award nomination and peaked at #34 on the Billboard 200. Subsequent releases achieved similar chart success.

The band's lineup remained stable from May 2001 to July 2012, featuring Shane Told (lead vocals), Neil Boshart (lead guitar), Josh Bradford (rhythm guitar), Billy Hamilton (bass), and Paul Koehler (drums). However, in September 2012, Boshart was replaced by Paul Marc Rousseau, who also contributed backing vocals alongside Hamilton.

After a long tenure with Victory Records (ending in 2010), Silverstein transitioned through Hopeless Records and Rise Records, ultimately landing on their current label, UNFD. Their tenth studio album, A Beautiful Place to Drown (released March 2020), garnered a 2021 Juno Award nomination for Best Rock Album, solidifying their status as a significant force in the Canadian and international rock scenes.

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