- Ronnie Radke is a songwriter, rapper, and lead vocalist for the “Falling in Reverse” band which he created in 2008
- The singer and father of one was raised by his father and siblings after his mother abandoned them
- Ronnie’s life has recorded many sad experiences and controversies associated with drugs, rape, and assault
Ronald Joseph Radke “Ronnie Radke” is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, and record producer. He is famous for being the founder and lead singer of “Falling in Reverse”. With the band, he has recorded albums like The Drug in Me Is You (2011), Fashionably Late (2013), Just Like You (2015), and Coming Home (2017) which have peaked at number 2 on the US Hard Rock chart.
Despite the fame he got in his career, a part of his story is about anxiety, pain, and resilience. He has also been involved in controversies about rape and even murder. While he uses music to let out his experiences, here’s all we’ve garnered about him.
A Look at the Early Life of Ronnie Radke
Ronnie Radke was born Ronald Joseph Radke on December 15, 1983. Records have St. Rose Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada as his birthplace. It is also possible that he spent most of his early life in the region.
The artist grew up alongside his two brothers Anthony James Radke who unfortunately died in 2013 and Mattew Radke.
Ronnie is of mixed ethnicity which can be traced to Blackfoot Indians and Portuguese. His parents were reportedly low-income earners and drug addicts who were always getting into trouble. He revealed that his mother abandoned the family when he was very young thusly, he was raised by his father, Russel Radke.
As regards his education, Ronnie was reported in and out of school because his parents didn’t have enough finance. His interest in music was also a contributing factor, thusly, he had to drop out of Mojave High School in North Las Vegas, Nevada to focus on music.
According to him, he couldn’t pay attention anymore and was always daydreaming about music.
Ronnie Radke Had a Strain Relationship with His Mother
As stated, Ronnie grew up in somewhat of a broken home with his mother leaving him at a young age. Though her identity has not been disclosed, what is known is that she was a heavy drinker and drug addict. Consequently, Ronnie grew up with so much hatred for her which extended to females.
He made it known in an interview that he had no respect for women and didn’t see them as important. Ronnie also added that most of his relationships were mostly empty and he was probably trying to fill in a void. Nonetheless, in 2016, he posted his mother’s picture with a caption that he had forgiven her.
The Singer was the Founder of Many Short-Lived Bands
Ronnie’s life took an entirely different turn when he dropped out of high school to focus on music. He became the founder of many short-lived bands with the first being “3.0”. Thereafter, he formed the “Lefty” with one of his friends, Robert Ortiz but they soon faded off like the first band.
The talent contest also saw him become friends with Max Green of the “Almost Heroes Band”. As the story goes, Ronnie’s mic fell off during the contest and Max quickly picked it up disregarding that they were competitors. The pair soon formed a band named “True Story” and then joined bands like “Trice” to polish up.
During their stay at the “Trice” band, Ronnie learned how to play the piano and the guitar. It was long before he became familiar with the left-handed guitar as well as the right-handed guitar.
Ronnie Radke’s Breakthrough Started with the Band, Escape the Fate
Ronnie and Max’s friendship saw them launch the band, “Escape the Fate”. Some other members were Bryan Money, Omar Espinosa (rhythm guitarist), Carson Allen (keyboardist), and Robert Ortiz (drummer). The band began playing during events and shows especially in the post-hardcore scene in Las Vegas.
Thereafter, they recorded their first professional Ep titled “Escape the Fate” with songs like Not Good Enough for Truth in Cliche, Chariot of Fire, and As You’re Falling Down.
It took no time before they got signed with Epitaph Records” in 2006. This was after their victory at the radio contest. Following this, they started compiling songs for their EP “There’s No Sympathy for the Dead” and other songs for their debut album “Dying Is Your Latest Fashion”. Unfortunately. while this looked like a great start for Ronnie, he wasn’t aware of how swiftly everything could change.
He began having issues with the law which would later get him kicked out of the band and subsequently replayed by Craig Mabbitt, a former band member of the Bless the fall band.
Ronnie Has Been Involved in Numerous Controversies and Almost Spent 3 Years in Prison
Ronnie’s musical career was already gaining ground until several controversies began to surface. He reportedly had different issues with the law including narcotics offenses, murder, assault, and rape allegations. On this basis, he was placed on five years probation sentence and was advised to take a different job since he couldn’t leave the country. However, violating these rules led to his arrest, and subsequently placed behind bars for almost 3 years.
Here is a summary of his crimes before going to prison and after his release.
He was involved in Drugs
Ronnie’s first engagement with the law was a result of his addictive lifestyle and use of drugs. This is not hard to believe since he probably picked it up while growing up. Recall his parents were also drug addicts who were involved in different crimes.
The Singer was Involved in the Murder of an 18-Year-Old
Matters became worse for Ronnie when his involvement in killing an 18-year-old on May 6, 2006, reached court. So the story goes, the singer and Marcel Colquitt, a guy from a different band agreed to settle their longtime differences in a one-time fight. The location and time for the fight were agreed upon and on the deal day, both teams came with their supporters.
While the fight was on, one of Ronnie’s supporters, Chase Rader shot dead 18 years old Micheal Allen Cook 3 times. The victim was a member of Marcel Colquitt’s team. Consequently, Ronnie and Chase were arrested and charged with murder but were later stated to be acting in self-defense.
Sadly, Chase committed suicide before the trial date while Roonie pleaded guilty and was asked to pay $92,372 for the medical bills of those that were injured during the fight. He was also placed on probation for 5 years.
Ronnie Radke Allegedly Assaulted His Girlfriend
According to the records, Ronnie was accused of beating his then-girlfriend, Sally Watts sometime in May 2012 and was invited by the court but he failed to make an appearance.
As a result, he was arrested the next month in Glendale, California, and charged with a misdemeanor count of corporal injury to his girlfriend. This was declared at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department but he was later bail of $30,000.
He Once Injured a Fan During a Live Performance
While this may not have been done with any harmful intentions, it adds to the list of controversies the Nevada-born artist has been involved in. It is said that he threw three microphone stands at his audience while performing at the punk rock festival for Six Flags Great Adventure’s Fright Fest event (FestEvil).
His action would later lead to the injury of a 16-year-old girl and a 24-year-old man. Ronnie was charged with simple assault and aggravated assault but was released on a bail of $25,000. For this, hard rock and heavy metal bands were banned from performing at the park even though Ronnie tendered his apologies to his fans stating that his actions were done with his best intentions.
Ronnie was Accused of Rape in 2015
After his band, “Falling in Reverse” had finished their performance at the Murray Theatre on June 3, 2015, it was reported that Ronnie and some of his band members had sexually assaulted 25 years old Kacee Boswell who lives in Utah. Since Ronnie has been involved in a lot of controversial issues, this wasn’t hard to believe. However, it turned out to be false claims as police found no evidence to support her accusations.
Upon this, Ronnie filed a lawsuit against Boswell for defamation. The rapper has stated in several interviews that this was not the first time that he had been wrongly accused. According to him, he probably has a little more bad luck.
Ronnie’s Girlfriend, Past Relationship, and Daughter
As you would easily find, Ronnie is in a relationship with Former WWE star, Saraya Bevis who is famous as Paige. The pair started dating a few months before 2018 ended. While it’s known when they met and what may have triggered their relationship, the pair appear to be so in love at the moment and have been so open about their relationship.
Paige is an ardent supporter of her boyfriend’s career and uses her social media handles to promote his songs. She has made appearances in several music videos, including I am not a Vampire.
He Almost Got Married to His Ex-Girlfriend and Mother of His Daughter in 2013
It’s no secret that Ronnie started dating Crissy Henderson in 2012. The two had everything going for them and even got engaged at some point. Unfortunately, when Ronnie confessed to cheating on her in 2013, the pair ended the relationship.
Crissy is a 37–year-old lawyer, actress, playboy model, and founder of the Cosmetic line launched in 2013. She is also the mother of Ronnie’s daughter Willow Grace Radke. His daughter was born on June 11, 2013, and she’s currently 11 years old.
Asides from Crissy, Ronnie has been involved with many other girls including Caroline Burt, Jenna King, Sally Watt, Emily Radke, Mandy Murders, and Lexus Amanda to mention the least.
Read Also: Tasya Van Ree Is Amber Heard’s Ex-Girlfriend- 10 Shocking Facts About Her
What is Ronnie Radke Up To?
It’s true that what doesn’t kill you can only make you stronger and for Ronnie, this statement is very personal. From leaving prison to recording his new song in less than a week asserts that he was ready all the way.
Ronnie made it known that while he was counting the months left to leave the prison, he was building a life inside the prison. He created the Falling in Reverse band in 2008 to tell his story as a victim of circumstance, betrayal, and pain. Ronnie also stated that though he has been in love and shown love by others, he cannot really relate to it. He revealed that he wrote about 60 songs while behind bars and some of them have not been heard yet.
At the moment, Ronnie is the lead vocalist of Falling in Reverse; an American rock band. The band has recorded a lot of success and toured through several countries. They have released at least 4 albums since then which have peaked at number 2 on the US Hard Rock chart. Some of their albums include:
- The Drug in Me Is You (2011)
- Fashionably Late (2013
- Just Like You (2015)
- Coming Home (2017)
With a net worth of $4 million, the father of one has built a reputable fan base on Instagram. He has also shifted a bit of his attention to his Youtube Channel as a solo singer and he’s making the most of it.
Ronnie Radke’s personal life experiences and career has recorded a lot of turbulent moment however, the 40–year-old has remained positive all along. Rather than quitting, he has used the medium of singing to relate his stories. Blessed with a child and a supportive girlfriend, we presume that in the coming years Ronnie Radke will be a household name.
