Benjamin Burnley biography, married, wife, illness, tattoos, interview, cancer, net worth

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<h2>Early Life and Education</h2>
<p>Benjamin Jackson Burnley IV, professionally known as Benjamin Burnley, was born on March 10, 1978, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. He spent his early childhood in nearby Ocean City until the age of 12, when his family relocated to Pennsylvania, citing high coastal taxes. They settled in Snyder County, and Burnley completed his education through homeschooling, later earning his GED. At 21, he moved to Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, where he lived with future <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breaking_Benjamin">Breaking Benjamin</a> bassist Jonathan Price.</p>

<h2>Personal Life and Family</h2>
<p>Burnley later returned to Ocean City, New Jersey, aiming to provide a similar upbringing for his son. He was previously married to Rhiannon Napier, who maintains a private life away from public attention. The couple welcomed a son, Benjamin Jackson Burnley V, on November 1, 2014. The name is part of a long-standing generational tradition in the Burnley family. The surname 'Burnley' is believed to be connected to the town of Burnley in England, from where the family likely originated.</p>

<h2>Musical Influences and Early Career</h2>
<p>Burnley developed an interest in music at an early age, heavily inspired by the American grunge band <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nirvana_(band)">Nirvana</a>. He taught himself to play guitar during his teenage years, primarily by listening to the album <em>Nevermind</em>. Before achieving widespread recognition, Burnley performed at local coffee shops, covering popular songs alongside his own compositions. He frequently collaborated with other local musicians, honing his performance and songwriting skills in grassroots venues.</p>

<h2>The Formation and Evolution of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breaking_Benjamin">Breaking Benjamin</a></h2>
<p>Burnley's most significant musical endeavor is the rock band <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breaking_Benjamin">Breaking Benjamin</a>. The original lineup began in 1998 as a collaboration with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Fink">guitarist</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Fink">Aaron Fincke</a>, along with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Lightcap">Chris Lightcap</a> and Nick Hoover. The group disbanded after Burnley briefly moved to California to pursue other opportunities. In 1999, he reformed the band in Pennsylvania with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/جيريمي_هامل">drummer</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/جيريمي_هامل">Jeremy Hummel</a> and bassist Jason Davoli under the name Plan 9. Eventually, Burnley reverted to using the name <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breaking_Benjamin">Breaking Benjamin</a> during a live performance.</p>

<p>The band saw several lineup changes over the years. Notable past members include <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Fink">Aaron Fink</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_James_Klepaski">Mark Klepaski</a>, formerly of the band Lifer. The current lineup consists of Burnley along with Aaron Bruch, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaun_Foist">Shaun Foist</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jasen_Rauch">Jasen Rauch</a>, and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keith_Wallen">Keith Wallen</a>. The band's breakthrough came when local DJ Freddie Fabbri began playing their single “Polyamorous” on his radio station, bringing them regional and eventually national attention.</p>

<h2>Artistic Collaborations and Achievements</h2>
<p>Burnley has collaborated with numerous artists within the rock and alternative scenes. He is known for live duets and studio contributions with groups such as Evans Blue, Three Days Grace, and Disturbed. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breaking_Benjamin">Breaking Benjamin</a> has received several accolades, including three platinum records, two gold records, and multiple platinum and gold singles. The band's 2015 album <em>Dark Before Dawn</em> debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, marking a major milestone in their career.</p>

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<h2>Health Struggles and Hiatus</h2>
<p>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 <em>Phobia</em>. 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.</p>

<h2>Struggles with Alcohol and Recovery</h2>
<p>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 <em>Dear Agony</em> was the first he completed sober. Today, Burnley is a recovering alcoholic and continues to advocate for mental and physical wellness.</p>

<h2>Passion for Tattoos and Personal Expression</h2>
<p>Burnley is known for his extensive tattoos, many of which hold personal or artistic significance. Some include a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nirvana_(band)">Nirvana</a> 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 <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breaking_Benjamin">Breaking Benjamin</a> logo on his left wrist, and a tribal band on his right forearm.</p>

<h2>Video Game Contributions and Criticism</h2>
<p>A devoted video game enthusiast, Burnley has contributed multiple songs to popular game soundtracks. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breaking_Benjamin">Breaking Benjamin</a>’s song “Blow Me Away” was recorded for the <em>Halo 2</em> soundtrack. Other tracks like “Polyamorous” appear in games such as <em>Run Like Hell</em>, <em>WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw</em>, and <em>WWE Day of Reckoning</em>. “Firefly” is also featured in <em>WWE Day of Reckoning</em>, while “The Diary of Jane” appears in <em>NASCAR 07</em>. Burnley has expressed criticism toward Electronic Arts' reboot of the <em>Star Wars: Battlefront</em> series, believing the quality of the game undermined the franchise.</p>

<h2>Personal Traits and Net Worth</h2>
<p>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 <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breaking_Benjamin">Breaking Benjamin</a> and associated ventures.</p>

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