Ronald Joseph “Ronnie” Radke is a renowned singer, rapper, and record producer, best known as the lead vocalist of the metal band Falling in Reverse. Born in Las Vegas, Nevada, he left high school early and ran away from home to pursue his passion for music, joining his first band, Lefty.
In 2004, Radke co-founded the post-hardcore band Escape the Fate, releasing their debut EP, There’s No Sympathy for the Dead, which gained widespread recognition. However, after serving a prison sentence in 2008, he made a comeback by forming Falling in Reverse, which quickly surpassed Escape the Fate in success. The band’s 2019 hit single, Popular Monster, became their first chart-topping track.
Today, Ronnie Radke has an estimated net worth of over $4 million. At 38 years old, he continues to dominate the rock and metal scene. He also has a daughter, Willow, from his previous relationship with model Crissy Henderson.
Ronnie Radke’s Early Life, Family, and Musical Beginnings
Ronnie Radke was born as the middle child among three siblings—his older brother, Anthony, and his younger brother, Matthew. He comes from a diverse ethnic background, with Portuguese and Blackfoot Indian ancestry. Ronnie’s childhood was challenging, as his mother struggled with drug addiction and was largely absent from the family. This experience initially shaped his negative perception of women, though he later reconciled with his mother in 2014, leading to a change in his views.
Radke’s passion for music began in his teenage years when he learned to play the piano and guitar. He was heavily influenced by Blink-182 and formed several bands during high school. To pursue his musical dreams, he dropped out of school and ran away from home to live with his friend and bandmate, Mitch. They played at local venues but disbanded in 1996.
After the band’s breakup, Ronnie returned to live with his father and re-enrolled in school. However, his dedication to music led him to drop out once again to start a new band, Lefty. Although the group was short-lived, he soon founded True Story, where he took on the role of lead vocalist for the first time.
Music Career
Escape the Fate
In 2004, Ronnie co-founded the band Escape the Fate with his bandmates from True Story. Initially influenced by post-hardcore sounds, the band gained widespread attention after winning a radio contest hosted by My Chemical Romance. That same year, they signed with Epitaph Records and released their debut EP, There’s No Sympathy for the Dead.
Their follow-up full-length album, Dying Is Your Latest Fashion, dropped in 2006 and gained popularity among post-hardcore and emo fans. However, tensions within the band escalated as Ronnie faced legal issues. Between 2006 and 2008, he had multiple run-ins with the law, including drug-related offenses. In 2008, after violating probation, he was sentenced to prison, leading to his dismissal from Escape the Fate. Craig Mabbitt replaced him as the lead vocalist.
Falling in Reverse
While serving his prison sentence, Ronnie continued to work on new music, blending metal and pop elements. Upon his release in 2010, he teamed up with Nason Schoeffler to form Falling in Reverse. The band released its debut album, The Drug in Me Is You, in 2011, which debuted at No. 19 on the Billboard 200 chart.
With each album release, Falling in Reverse grew in popularity. Their second album, Fashionably Late (2013), introduced more rap elements. Their third album, Just Like You (2015), returned to their post-hardcore roots, and Coming Home (2017) showcased a more melodic sound. In 2019, the band achieved their first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart with Popular Monster, which blended rap, metal, and electronic elements.
Solo Projects
Apart from his band career, Ronnie also pursued solo music. In 2013, he released his first solo track, Fair-Weather Fans, on YouTube. His latest solo project, Watch Me, came out in 2021 and included collaborations with different artists.
Controversies and Legal Issues
Ronnie’s career has been marred by multiple controversies.
- 2006 Murder Case: He was involved in a fight that led to the death of 18-year-old Michael Allen Cook. Although he was present at the scene, he was not prosecuted as it was determined to be self-defense.
- 2012 Domestic Violence Charges: His then-girlfriend, Sally Watts, accused him of domestic violence. After failing to appear in court, he was arrested and charged with a misdemeanor.
- Concert Incident: While performing at Six Flags, he threw microphone stands into the audience, injuring two fans. He later apologized publicly, but Six Flags banned all metal and hard rock bands from their venue.
- 2015 Sexual Assault Allegations: Although he admitted to meeting the woman who accused him, the court found no evidence of assault. He later filed and won a defamation lawsuit.
Feuds with Other Musicians
Ronnie has been involved in several public feuds:
- Craig Mabbitt: After Mabbitt replaced him in Escape the Fate, the two frequently exchanged insults, both online and on stage. They eventually reconciled during the Bury the Hatchet tour in 2014.
- I See Stars: In 2012, after I See Stars band members were arrested for marijuana possession, Ronnie wanted them removed from his tour. They were allowed to continue performing but were required to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). This led to conflicts, eventually culminating in Ronnie releasing the diss track I Wash Cars.
- Attila and Franzilla: Ronnie clashed with Attila frontman Chris Fronzak, exchanging insults on social media. Their feud became one of the most publicized rivalries in the metal scene.
- Playboi Carti: In 2020, rapper Playboi Carti launched a merchandise line featuring designs that included the words Falling in Reverse. Ronnie took legal action and issued a cease-and-desist order. The case was settled in court, and Falling in Reverse received an undisclosed payout.
Personal Life and Relationships
Since 2018, Ronnie has been in a relationship with former WWE star Saraya Bevis, also known as Paige. They frequently share pictures together on social media. Many fans speculate about their engagement or marriage, but they have not confirmed any such plans yet.
Ronnie also has a daughter, Willow, from his previous relationship with model Crissy Henderson. The two were engaged at one point but ended their relationship in 2013 due to Ronnie’s infidelity.
Net Worth, Age, and Physical Stats
As of late 2022, Ronnie Radke has an estimated net worth of over $4 million. He stands 6 feet 1 inch (1.85m) tall, weighs approximately 185 lbs (85 kg), and has long black hair with black eyes.
Legacy and Influence
Ronnie Radke remains one of the most polarizing figures in rock and metal music. His ability to blend different genres, from metalcore to rap, has made Falling in Reverse one of the most innovative bands of the last decade. Despite his controversies, he has built a loyal fan base and continues to push musical boundaries.
Final Thoughts
Ronnie Radke has built an impressive career despite facing numerous challenges and controversies. His influence in the metal and post-hardcore scenes continues to grow, proving his resilience and passion for music. Whether through Falling in Reverse or his solo projects, he remains a significant figure in the rock and alternative music world.
If you’re eager to discover Yellowstone, take a look at this link!
Discover our YouTube Shorts for quick, engaging highlights from our latest articles
