Burnley has been open about his personal and health challenges. He suffers from several phobias, including aerophobia (fear of flying), nyctophobia (fear of the dark), and hypochondria. These inspired the band's 2006 album Phobia. He also avoids long car rides in an effort to prolong his life. The band entered a five-year hiatus due in part to Burnley's health issues and internal disputes over releasing a greatest hits album. Upon the group's return, Burnley was the sole remaining member from the previous lineup.
Burnley has candidly addressed his past struggles with alcoholism. In an interview with listenin.org, he stated he once wished he could “drink himself to death.” After years of excessive alcohol consumption, he developed Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome, a serious neurological disorder. His album Dear Agony was the first he completed sober. Today, Burnley is a recovering alcoholic and continues to advocate for mental and physical wellness.
Burnley is known for his extensive tattoos, many of which hold personal or artistic significance. Some include a Nirvana smiley face on his left shoulder, his name in Olde English script on his right wrist, a green flower on his right middle finger, the Breaking Benjamin logo on his left wrist, and a tribal band on his right forearm.
A devoted video game enthusiast, Burnley has contributed multiple songs to popular game soundtracks. Breaking Benjamin’s song “Blow Me Away” was recorded for the Halo 2 soundtrack. Other tracks like “Polyamorous” appear in games such as Run Like Hell, WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw, and WWE Day of Reckoning. “Firefly” is also featured in WWE Day of Reckoning, while “The Diary of Jane” appears in NASCAR 07. Burnley has expressed criticism toward Electronic Arts' reboot of the Star Wars: Battlefront series, believing the quality of the game undermined the franchise.
Despite being left-handed, Burnley plays guitar right-handed. He has built a successful career in music, amassing an estimated net worth of $8 million primarily through his work with Breaking Benjamin and associated ventures.
Return to the previous page| Birth Date: | 10 Mar, 1978 |
| Age: | 42 yrs |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Atlantic City |
| Gender: | Male |
| Net Worth 2021: | 4 million |
