Ronnie Radke Stumbles Upon His Own Fate

It’s not easy to be the frontman of a girl-crazed and highly successful, post-hardcore band. But Ronnie Radke fills this position commendably. Originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, Escape The Fate is signed to Epitaph Records. Their debut album, Dying Is Your Latest Fashion, was released on September 26, 2006 peaking at #12 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers and #19 on the Top Independent Albums. The band was added to the 2007 Vans Warped Tour bill, where they played back-to-back shows throughout the U.S from June to August.

But it’s not the chart numbers, or the Nikki Sixx like aura that is drawing me to write about Ronnie Radke. It’s his 18-48 month sentence he is currently serving at High Desert State Prison, located in Indian Springs, Nevada.

Now, I am a big fan of Escape The Fate and I find Ronnie to be a highly skilled vocalist and performer. But his ongoing problem with drugs has caused quite a bit of trouble for the band, as well as himself. Ronnie and fellow bandmate/bass player Max Green have been good friends since high school. But, after a 2006 altercation they will never play in the same band again, and may never speak to one another either.




According to Las Vegas Sun and Las Vegas Weekly, Radke had been dodging Nevada authorities after his involvement in a May 2006 fight that left 18-year-old Michael Cook dead. In January 2008, Radke plead guilty to one charge of battery with substantial bodily harm and was sentenced to an 18-48 month probation term (ordering to pay almost $100,000 in restitution and to enroll in a drug rehabilitation program) that he did not properly adhere to.

Radke was arrested on June 16, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. on Arroyo Grande Boulevard and Sunset Road. Then on August 4, 2008, courts ordered to reinstate Radke’s original sentence of the maximum 48-month term.

It saddens me to see such an amazing and inspiring singer behind bars. Though, Ronnie states on his myspace that he will continue to write tracks in prison. He has even created a new band, named From Behind These Walls. This sort of situation is eerily reminiscent of a recent Sonny Moore departure from the band From First To Last. His solo career has caused an ongoing split between fans and the same seems to be happening with Ronnie.

Escape The Fate will continue on without Ronnie, as well as ex-guitar player Omar Espinosa, who reportedly still has negative views towards Max Green. A new singer was added to the band, Craig Mabbit ex-blessthefall vocalist.

Escape The Fate will begin their headlining tour in January in support of their new album, This War Is Ours.