Aaron Gillespie

Born Aaron Roderick Gillespie on July 18, 1983, in Clearwater, Florida, he was raised in a Christian family and developed an early interest in drumming. Despite initial discouragement regarding his playing style at church, a church leader foreshadowed his global career as a drummer. This early period was instrumental in shaping his musical path. At around age 14, Gillespie received an invitation to join Underoath, marking the beginning of his professional music career. He later expanded his artistic endeavors by becoming the lead singer and rhythm guitarist for his alternative rock band, The Almost, demonstrating his versatility as a musician.

Gillespie’s career with Underoath saw him contribute significantly to their sound, particularly through the introduction of clean vocals on their third album, “The Changing of Times” (2002), which steered the band toward a metalcore style. He was a primary lyricist for key albums like “They’re Only Chasing Safety.” In addition to his band work, Gillespie pursued a solo career, releasing his debut worship album, “Anthem Song,” in 2011, and later “Grace Through the Wandering” (2015) and “Out of the Badlands” (2016). His diverse musical roles also included touring as the drummer for Paramore from 2013 to 2016.

Throughout his career, Gillespie has navigated personal challenges, including hypochondria and generalized anxiety disorder, which influenced his temporary departure from Underoath in 2010 before his eventual return and the band’s reunion. He has also engaged in production work, operating Soundcave Studios from 2015 to 2017, and producing albums for artists like Collington. His contributions to the music industry have been recognized with accolades such as the HM magazine’s Readers Award for “favorite drummer” in 2008. Gillespie continues to be an active and influential figure in music, known for his genuine passion and creative range.