Craig Edward Mabbitt (born April 9th 1987 in Glendale, Arizona) is an American musician who is the current lead singer for
Escape the Fate and former lead singer for bands
Blessthefall and
The Word Alive.
Blessthefall
While with blessthefall Craig released 2 self-released EP's and one full length album. Their first full album, His Last Walk, was released on April 10, 2007 on Science Records/Ferret Music. It produced four singles: 'Higinia', 'Guys Like You Make Us Look Bad', 'A Message to the Unknown', and 'Rise Up'. 'Rise Up' was released after he left left the band, and he does not appear in the video.
While in the middle of their 2007 European Tour with Silverstein and The Vincent Black Shadow Mabbitt left the band. He later decided he wanted to rejoin the band, but the band felt it would be better to move on without him. Craig was informed of their decision via AIM by blessthefall's guitarist, Eric Lambert. Craig has since commented that leaving blessthefall was one of the best decisions of his life, stating that he was an alcoholic while with the band. Craig was replaced on September 25, 2008 by current vocalist Beau Bokan, the former vocalist for Take the Crown. Craig has stated in numerous interviews that he was forced to sign over all of his rights to his blessthefall recordings in order to join Escape the Fate and sign with Epitaph Records. Craig is still friends with blessthefall and with Bokan.
Craig recently stated during the AP Podcast that blessthefall asked him to come back to the band after they had failed to find a replacement singer, a day after he had just completed the Escape the Fate's new album. He declined their offer, but a week later that they found Beau Bokan, the ex-lead singer of Take the Crown. Blessthefall has since gone on to record their new full length album 'Witness' with Bokan.
Both Craig Mabbitt and Jonny Craig filled in for for A Skylit Drive on lead vocals and screams after leaving their bands, during their tour in late 2007.
Escape the Fate
After vocalist Ronnie Radke was sentenced to five years probation for being on drugs, Escape the Fate went on a search for a new lead singer.Radke would later be sent to the High Desert State Prison for violating his probation. The band turned to Mabbitt, who was searching for a new band after leaving, blessthefall. Mabbitt had played with Escape the Fate on the Black on Black Tour, while with blessthefall. After several trial shows he became the official new singer and they entered the studio to record their second full length album This War Is Ours with producer John Feldmann. The album was released on October 21, 2008.
Mabbitt has completed several tours with Escape the Fate including an Australian tour, a tour co-headlined by Chiodos and Silverstein, and their own headlined "This War is Ours Tour" and are currently on the 2009 Vans Warped Tour. Craig is the first vocalist to have completed an entire tour with Escape the Fate
Mabbitt has stated that Escape the Fate is writing new music while they are on tour and they plan to enter the studio in the winter and hope to have it released by spring 2010.He has also indicated that there will be more screaming included in these new songs.
The Word Alive
While with Escape the Fate, Mabbitt created The Word Alive so he could create harder music, like with blessthefall. He formed the band with his old hometown Phoenix friends. They played several shows in Arizona and California with Mabbitt.
On November 26, 2008, The Word Alive posted a blog on their official MySpace, telling fans that they have made the decision to replace Craig due to complications with his other band Escape the Fate. They explain that their decision to replace Craig was a tough one and that it was nothing personal. The blog stated,
"...we decided we'd move forward without Craig, [and] the search began for the right member to help us pursue our dreams with. That search is over, and we've never felt more complete as a band. He definitely brings our band to a new level and steps up to the challenge, like we feel only he could." We want all of you to know that we love Craig, and that under different circumstances we'd be happily touring together. This wasn't how the vision of the band began, however, it's one we are very happy with. We support Craig completely, and have no bad feelings towards his decision. We do hope that you can accept and love us for being willing to follow our dreams no matter what."
The day after, however, Craig Mabbitt posted a message to his fans via His official MySpace saying what seems to be the exact opposite,
"Leaving the band was never my decision, they pretty much replaced me while I was on the road due to the fact that they wanted to tour and couldn't until I was available, I started that band with those guys and I'm very hurt at how they replaced me while I was touring...it's bullshit"
Since adding their new singer Tyler 'Telle' Smith they have signed to Fearless Records and recorded their debut EP 'Empire' which came out on July 21, 2009
Side Projects and Guest Appearances
Craig has stated in numerous blogs and bulletins that he will still be creating music of the same style as Blessthefall and The Word Alive. He created a new Myspace music profile for unreleased The Word Alive songs.Craig announced that he will be starting a new screamo side project based in Arizona.
Mabbitt and fellow Escape the Fate member Max Green released a song, "All That I'm About," with an Attack Attack! member Caleb Shomo.It can viewed on Caleb's Myspace & Downloaded For free at www.super-craig.net under downloads.He also lent his voice for the song "Deadly Weapons" on the new Eyes Set to Kill album.
Craig Mabbit Photos :
