Aaron Gillespie
A dynamic musician who provided the melodic heartbeat and fervent vocals for Underoath, helping to define the sound of modern metalcore.
Born 1983 (age 43)·American musician·Birthday: July 18·Millennials
Biography
Aaron Gillespie burst onto the scene not just as a powerhouse drummer, but as the unexpected melodic counterpoint in the chaotic, heavy world of Underoath. Joining the Florida band as a teenager, his precise, frenetic drumming and clear, passionate singing created a signature tension that propelled albums like 'They're Only Chasing Safety' and 'Define the Great Line' to platinum status. His voice offered anthemic respite amidst the scream, becoming a defining element of 2000s post-hardcore. Driven by a prolific creative energy, he simultaneously fronted his own alt-rock venture, The Almost, writing and recording its debut album largely on tour buses. After a period away, his return to Underoath cemented his status as its only constant original member. Gillespie's versatility also saw him step into the touring drummer role for Paramore, showcasing a adaptability rooted in pure, relentless musical passion.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Aaron was born in 1983, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Aaron Was Born
The biggest hits of 1983
#1 Movie
Return of the Jedi
Best Picture
Terms of Endearment
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Aaron's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1983Born
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1988Started school
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1996Became a teenager
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
1999Could drive
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2001Could vote
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Turned 21
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2013Turned 30
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2023Turned 40
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 43 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- As drummer and clean vocalist for Underoath, he co-created the albums 'They're Only Chasing Safety' and 'Define the Great Line,' both certified platinum by the RIAA.
- Founded and fronts the alternative rock band The Almost, releasing multiple studio albums and EPs.
- Served as the touring drummer for Paramore during a key period from 2013 to 2016.
- Maintains a solo career, releasing worship-oriented albums like 'Anthem Song' in 2011.
Did You Know?
He is an avid surfer and often incorporates themes of faith and the ocean into his lyrics.
Gillespie is left-handed but plays a right-handed drum kit.
He recorded almost all the instruments for The Almost's debut album, 'Southern Weather,' himself.
He is openly sober and has spoken about his journey with addiction.
“I play drums like I'm trying to break them, and sing like I'm trying to fix them.”
