It has been a monumental week of changes for Anberlin. While change can be scary, that’s how you know it’s worth it. Earlier this week, the alternative rock band announced that their longtime frontman, Stephen Christian, will be stepping down from his role for the foreseeable future. While this is not a permanent change, Anberlin remains transparent with their fans regarding this new era of music and touring.
“After being in this band for 20 years, we’ve really noticed that the only constant is change,” the video begins. “There’s so many different eras of Anberlin from ending in 2014 to coming back in 2019, and this is no different. In 2024, Stephen will no longer be touring with Anberlin indefinitely. He’s not out of the band, he’s not quitting. He’s just taking a hiatus,” assures the group in a social media posting seen below, adding, ‘But we do have a plan.’”
As the video continues, fans hear Anberlin’s original vocalist share his perspective on the announcement. “I once heard a Native American proverb that said, ‘There are two dogs roaring inside of me, and the one that I feed is the one that wins,’” Christian says in a voiceover. “And it is because of that I have to take an indefinite hiatus away from touring with Anberlin. I’ve loved it all. I’ve loved my best friends out on the road. But at this time, I have to feed my community, my career, but more importantly, my wife and my child, and it’s because of that I’m going to step down away from touring with Anberlin.”
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Although this news may surprise longtime listeners, the band is bringing Memphis May Fire’s Matty Mullins into the fold as the band’s vocalist on tour until Christian returns. The fiery singer and screamer shares the thrilling moment when he was offered the opportunity in the announcement video.
“I get a phone notification, and I look down, and it says Stephen Christian, Anberlin. I had no clue what I was about to open…I remember reading the first line, and as I read, my face got hot and flushed, and my body started to tingle. The text basically said, ‘You know I need to step away from touring, and I want you to fill in for me. You’re the only person that I want to do it,’ which still sounds so crazy coming out of my mouth.”
Fans can catch Stephen Christian play one final show before his indefinite hiatus on December 14 in Tampa, FL. The gig marks Anberlin’s first Tampa show in half a decade, and Hawthorne Heights will act as support. Tickets will go on sale tomorrow, October 13, at 12 PM ET.
As we wait for more news and music, stay tuned with idobi for everything Anberlin and beyond.
