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Matthew Tuck
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Key Information
Matthew Tuck (born 20 January 1980) is a Welsh musician, best known as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of the heavy metal band Bullet for My Valentine. He is also a guitarist and singer in the supergroup AxeWound, which was formed in 2012.
Career
[edit]
Bullet for My Valentine formed in 1998 under the name Jeff Killed John and were originally a nu metal band. After bassist Nick Crandle left in 2003, they picked up Jason James as their new bassist and renamed the band Bullet for My Valentine.[1] They have released seven studio albums and four EPs.
Tuck is also the backing vocalist and rhythm guitarist in the supergroup AxeWound.[2]
On 22 June 2007 it was announced that he needed a tonsillectomy.[3] The band was forced to cancel all of their shows, including their tour as a support band for Metallica.[4] Unable to speak, Tuck wrote that as soon as doctors cleared him he would be in the studio working on the band's next album.[5]
Influences
[edit]Tuck's earliest influences included the music his father listened to, including Status Quo and Bruce Springsteen.[6]
Later he was influenced by Metallica, Nirvana, Pantera, Slayer, Machine Head, Iron Maiden, Mötley Crüe, Def Leppard, Limp Bizkit and Jimmy Eat World.[7][8][6]
His biggest influence growing up was Metallica, with their eponymous Black Album being the first record he ever bought after he heard the song "Enter Sandman" for the first time.[8] They were the main reason why he would start to play the guitar, learning the riffs by ear; eventually paving the way for his musical career.[9][6]
Personal life
[edit]Tuck married Charlotte Beedell on 7 September 2013 in London.[10] The couple have two sons[citation needed] and filed for divorce in early 2016[11] but later reconciled.[12]
Discography
[edit]Bullet for My Valentine
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]- The Poison (2005)
- Scream Aim Fire (2008)
- Fever (2010)
- Temper Temper (2013)
- Venom (2015)
- Gravity (2018)
- Bullet for My Valentine (2021)
EPs
[edit]- Better Off Alone (1999)
- Don't Walk Away (2003)
- Jeff Killed John (2003)
- Bullet for My Valentine (2004)
- Hand of Blood (2005)
- Rare Cuts (2007)
- Road to Nowhere (2008)
AxeWound
[edit]- Vultures (2012)
References
[edit]- ^ Kerrang! Radio Spotlight: Bullet For My Valentine. Kerrang! Radio. Planet Radio. Published 8 February 2013. Retrieved 8 October 2017.
- ^ "BFMV's Matt Tuck and Cancer Bats' Liam Cormier form new band AxeWound". NME. 1 May 2012. Retrieved 1 May 2012.
- ^ Wood, Mikael. "BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE". Revolver. Archived from the original on 15 May 2009. Retrieved 22 August 2009.
- ^ "Machine Head Added To Metallica's Wembley Bill". Blabbermouth.net. 27 June 2007. Archived from the original on 9 October 2007. Retrieved 7 November 2007.
- ^ Chris (21 June 2007). "Bullet update". bulletformyvalentine1.com. Archived from the original on 25 November 2007. Retrieved 7 November 2007.
- ^ a b c Richardson, Jake (25 July 2019). "BMFV's Matt Tuck: The 10 Songs That Changed My Life". Kerrang!. Retrieved 26 November 2020.
- ^ "Bullet For My Valentine's Matt Tuck Reveals His Top 5 Influences". YouTube. 29 November 2016. Retrieved 26 November 2020.
- ^ a b Catalano, Rhiannon (19 February 2016). "Q&A: Matt Tuck Talks Musical Inspiration". The Hoya. Retrieved 26 November 2020.
- ^ Goodman, Eleanor (27 September 2018). "Matt Tuck: "I don't give a f*ck what people want to hear, it's what I want to write"". Metal Hammer. Retrieved 26 November 2020.
- ^ https://www.instagram.com/p/spyyTZGa9a/[dead link]
- ^ Bullet for My Valentine's Matt Tuck Talks Fatherhood. NoiseCreep. Author - Chris Epting. Published 13 October 2011. Retrieved 8 October 2017.
- ^ "C H A R L Y ✨ (@charlybeedell) on Instagram". instagram.com. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
External links
[edit]
Media related to Matthew Tuck at Wikimedia Commons
Matthew Tuck
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Childhood and family background
Matthew Tuck was born on January 20, 1980, in Bridgend, a town in South Wales.[2][6] He was raised in a working-class family in a modest household by his parents, with his father working as a regional manager at a food company and his mother employed in a factory and later a supermarket. Tuck has two older sisters who are twins, and he has described his family as very happy and supportive, allowing him significant freedom to pursue his interests during childhood.[2] Tuck grew up in post-industrial South Wales, where the local culture and economic challenges of the region contributed to a close-knit community in Bridgend, a small town where residents often knew each other's business. This environment, characterized by modest means and community ties, helped foster his resilience from an early age.[2][1] No relocations within the Bridgend area during his childhood are documented in available accounts.[2]Musical beginnings and education
Matthew Tuck's interest in music was ignited at the age of 14 when he watched Metallica's "Enter Sandman" music video on MTV, describing it as a "jaw-dropping moment" that profoundly influenced him and marked a pivotal shift from his earlier pursuits in sports like rugby and basketball, redirecting his passions toward musical exploration.[2] At age 14, Tuck began playing guitar, initially using his mother's acoustic guitar, which he taught himself to play by practicing diligently in his early teens. Prior to focusing on guitar, he had begun drumming at age 5 with a full-size kit provided by his supportive parents, continuing until around 15 when he sold the set to fund guitar equipment. His self-taught approach emphasized learning by ear and replicating songs, fostering a hands-on development of his instrumental skills without formal lessons.[2][7] Tuck attended Brynteg Comprehensive School in Bridgend, Wales, where he met future bandmate Michael Paget. He later studied music at Bridgend College, where he connected with other future band members including Michael "Moose" Thomas. The local music scene was vibrant and accessible for teenagers. He engaged in early hobbies such as attending small gigs and informally experimenting with cover bands alongside friends, jamming on popular rock tracks to build his musical foundation. His family's encouragement, including providing instruments and allowing freedom to pursue these interests, played a key role in nurturing his dedication to music over traditional academic paths.[7][8][2][1]Musical career
Bullet for My Valentine
Matthew Tuck co-founded Bullet for My Valentine in 1998 in Bridgend, Wales, initially under the name Jeff Killed John with Nick Crandle on bass, Michael "Moose" Thomas on drums, and Michael Paget on lead guitar. Jason James replaced Crandle on bass in 2003, coinciding with the name change to Bullet for My Valentine.[9][10] The band performed covers of influences like Nirvana and Metallica in local venues before evolving their sound. In 2004, the band signed a UK licensing deal with Visible Noise and an international agreement with Gun Records.[9][11] The band's early momentum built with their self-titled debut EP in November 2004, which showcased Tuck's emerging style as lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, followed by their breakthrough album The Poison in 2005, produced by Colin Richardson.[12][9] The Poison achieved global success, propelled by hits like "Tears Don't Fall," establishing Bullet for My Valentine as a leading force in metalcore and selling millions worldwide.[12][10] Subsequent releases included Scream Aim Fire in 2008, which continued their aggressive trajectory with Richardson's production, and Fever in 2010, which peaked at number 5 on the UK Albums Chart.[12][13] Tuck's central role as primary songwriter shaped these works, often drawing from personal experiences while balancing melodic and heavy elements, and he contributed rhythm guitar and bass on recordings.[12][9] The band navigated lineup shifts, with bassist Jason James departing in 2014 and drummer Michael Thomas leaving in 2017, replaced by Jamie Mathias and Jason Bowld, respectively, allowing Tuck and Paget to steer the core sound.[9] Later albums like Temper Temper (2013) and Venom (2015) maintained intensity, with Tuck increasingly involved in production alongside Richardson.[12] In 2018, Gravity marked a stylistic pivot toward cleaner vocals and electronic influences, reflecting Tuck's vocal evolution while experimenting with broader production.[9] The self-titled album in 2021 signaled a return to heavier, more aggressive roots, emphasizing raw guitar work and a higher ratio of harsh vocals, with Tuck handling songwriting, vocals, and production duties.[14] Recent activities include a 2025 20th anniversary tour celebrating The Poison, described as the band's largest headline run to date, featuring arena shows across Australia and North America alongside Trivium.[15][16] As of November 2025, Bullet for My Valentine are recording their eighth studio album, expected to return to a heavier sound.[17]Other projects and collaborations
In 2012, Tuck co-founded the heavy metal supergroup AxeWound alongside Cancer Bats vocalist Liam Cormier on lead vocals, Glamour of the Kill guitarist Mike Kingswood, former Rise to Remain bassist Joe Copcutt, and Pitchshifter drummer Jason Bowld.[18] The project allowed Tuck to contribute rhythm guitar and backing vocals, shifting from his primary frontman role in a more collaborative setting. AxeWound released their debut album Vultures that October, which entered the UK Albums Chart at number 42.[19] The band toured briefly in support but entered hiatus by 2013, with Tuck citing scheduling conflicts as a factor in its dormancy.[20] Tuck has made several notable guest appearances across metal and rock recordings, showcasing his vocal range in diverse contexts. In 2006, he provided guest vocals on "Repressed" by symphonic metallers Apocalyptica, sharing the track with Soulfly's Max Cavalera on their compilation Amplified // A Decade of Reinventing the Cello.[21] He contributed vocals to Black Tide's "Ashes" from their 2011 album Worlds Collide, adding a layer of aggression to the young band's sound. In 2016, Tuck featured on Japanese rock artist Hotei's "Kill to Love You," blending his style with the track's cinematic edge.[22] More recently, in 2023, he delivered prominent guest vocals on electronic rock outfit Pendulum's single "Halo," marking their first new material in years and highlighting Tuck's adaptability to drum and bass-infused metal.[23] Beyond performing, Tuck has engaged in songwriting and production for select outside projects, though his commitments to his primary band have kept such endeavors sporadic since 2015. He co-wrote material for AxeWound during its active period and has occasionally contributed to tracks for affiliated artists in the metal scene, emphasizing collaborative riffs and vocal arrangements drawn from his established expertise. No major production credits for unrelated acts have emerged in recent years, underscoring his focus on core musical output.Musical style and influences
Key influences
Matthew Tuck's primary musical influence was Metallica, which he discovered at age 14 while watching the "Enter Sandman" music video on MTV.[24] This exposure hooked him immediately, inspiring him to learn guitar by ear from the band's self-titled Black Album, which became the first record he ever bought.[24] Metallica's impact extended to his vocal style, with frontman James Hetfield serving as a major influence on Tuck's aggressive delivery, as he began practicing singing along to "Enter Sandman" during his teenage years.[25] The band's riffing and songwriting also shaped Tuck's approach, ultimately motivating him to form a band and pursue music professionally.[26] Beyond Metallica, Tuck drew from other heavy metal acts that emphasized aggression and technicality. Iron Maiden represented a benchmark for British metal innovation, influencing his appreciation for melodic yet powerful structures within the genre.[27] Slayer's Divine Intervention album, encountered at age 15, struck him with its raw intensity, particularly tracks like "Dittohead," contributing to his embrace of thrash's unrelenting energy.[26] Similarly, Pantera's Vulgar Display of Power, discovered around ages 14-15, impressed him with its production quality and ferocity, exemplified by "A New Level," which fueled his interest in groove-oriented heavy riffs.[26] In the nu-metal realm, Limp Bizkit provided early bursts of high-energy attitude; Tuck first experienced their raw sound at a 1996 live show promoting Three Dollar Bill Y'All$ and later connected with Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water during drives at age 16.[26][25] Tuck's broader influences included classic rock from his father's record collection, such as Led Zeppelin, which exposed him to blues-infused rock elements during his childhood in Bridgend, Wales.[24] Tuck's influences evolved from thrash metal roots in the early 1990s—rooted in bands like Metallica, Slayer, and Pantera—to incorporate nu-metal's accessibility in the late 1990s, before shifting toward metalcore in the 2000s.[26] This progression was evident as he and his bandmates drew from Killswitch Engage's Alive or Just Breathing in 2002, blending thrash aggression with melodic breakdowns to define Bullet for My Valentine's sound.[26] He has acknowledged growing up on thrash titans including Megadeth and Testament, which laid the groundwork for this transition into a more modern heavy style.[28]Vocal and instrumental style
Matthew Tuck's vocal style is characterized by a dynamic blend of harsh screams and clean melodic singing, allowing him to navigate between aggressive metalcore growls in verses and soaring, accessible choruses. This versatility enables seamless transitions within songs, contributing to Bullet for My Valentine's signature sound that balances intensity with emotional resonance.[29] Following the release of the band's 2018 album Gravity, Tuck's approach evolved toward greater emphasis on vocal melodies and anthemic hooks, with simplified arrangements designed to let his singing "shine through more so than ever." This shift prioritized clearer dynamics and performance-driven choruses, marking a departure from earlier heavier elements toward more focused, direct expression. However, subsequent works, such as the 2021 self-titled album, saw a return to aggressive intensity, reincorporating raw vocal energy to recapture the band's foundational heaviness.[30][31] As of June 2025, while recording their eighth studio album, Tuck described it as "super heavy but really interesting and fresh," aligning with the band's return to aggressive metalcore elements.[17] As a guitarist, Tuck primarily focuses on rhythm work, delivering heavy palm-muted riffs that drive the band's metallic groove, often in drop C tuning for added depth and power. His playing incorporates downstrokes, alternate picking, and galloping rhythms, while collaborating with lead guitarist Michael "Padge" Paget on dual harmonies—typically in minor thirds—to structure songs with layered, emotive progressions. Though he occasionally contributes lead solos featuring bends and pinch harmonics, his role remains rhythm-centric, emphasizing tight, aggressive support for the overall composition.[32][33] On stage, Tuck exhibits a high-energy presence, commanding the space with engaging intensity that amplifies the band's live dynamics, adapting his vocals and guitar work to suit the immediacy of performances compared to studio precision. Critics have praised this duality in his style for effectively merging metal's aggression with broader accessibility, creating a sound that resonates widely within the genre.[34][29]Personal life
Family and relationships
Matthew Tuck began his relationship with Charlotte Beedell in October 2005, after meeting earlier that year in Wales. The couple welcomed their first son, Evann Beedell Tuck, on March 25, 2010, prior to their marriage on September 7, 2013, in a private ceremony in London.[35][36] Following a separation and divorce filing in early 2016, Tuck and Beedell reconciled, leading to the birth of their second son, Freddie Matthew Beedell Tuck, on September 24, 2022. The family resides in west London, where Tuck has emphasized maintaining a sense of normalcy for his children amid his demanding career. In a 2011 interview, he described the challenges of fatherhood on the road, noting efforts to keep family life grounded, such as limiting tour absences and incorporating music into home routines without overwhelming daily life.[37][38][39] Tuck rarely discusses his family publicly, prioritizing their privacy despite occasional mentions of his pride in his sons' interests, including Evann's emerging musical talents like guitar playing. This approach reflects his commitment to balancing professional success with personal stability, a theme he has touched on in recent interviews as his children grow older.[40]Health and public advocacy
In the late 2010s, Matthew Tuck publicly disclosed his struggles with depression and anxiety, attributing them to intense band pressures, personal bereavements, a divorce, and the relentless touring schedule of Bullet for My Valentine. These challenges peaked around the creation of the band's 2018 album Gravity, during which Tuck experienced profound emotional turmoil, including feelings of hopelessness, guilt, and a desire to leave the band altogether, as he navigated a two-year cycle of performances while dealing with personal losses. He described the period as one where "bereavements, breakups, [and] not wanting to get up in the morning" affected him deeply, emphasizing that mental health issues do not discriminate based on success or status. Writing music became a therapeutic outlet for Tuck, helping him process these emotions and emerge from what he called a "rut." Tuck has since advocated for mental health awareness in the music industry, particularly among musicians facing similar pressures. In interviews, he has encouraged openness about struggles, stating that "a problem shared is a problem halved" to reduce stigma and promote support. During a 2024 appearance on the podcast Occupy The Void With Xtina and Tim, which focuses on mental health and resilience in music, Tuck discussed the vulnerability required to address these issues publicly and highlighted how sharing experiences through songwriting fosters connection with fans. He has also addressed the post-pandemic effects on performers, noting in the same discussion how isolation and disrupted routines exacerbated mental health challenges for artists. On the physical front, Tuck has dealt with significant vocal strain from extensive touring, most notably in 2007–2008 when throat infections and tonsillitis during recording sessions for Scream Aim Fire led to weakened vocals and emergency tonsillectomy surgery in July 2007. The procedure resolved the infections but left him with permanent vocal cord damage, resulting in canceled shows and poor performances until he underwent intensive rehabilitation, including targeted rehearsals to regain his range. Recovery involved rest periods and careful voice management, lessons Tuck applied to later tours to prevent recurrence. In 2024, he reiterated the physical and mental toll of touring, warning that the lifestyle can "fuck you up if you're not careful" and stressing the need for breaks to prioritize health over career demands.Discography
Studio Albums
Matthew Tuck contributed as lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and primary songwriter to Bullet for My Valentine's seven studio albums. The following table summarizes the releases, including key chart performances and certifications where applicable:| Album Title | Release Year | UK Peak (Official Charts) | US Billboard 200 Peak | Certifications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Poison | 2005 | #21 [4] | #128 [41] | Gold (RIAA, BPI) [42] [43] |
| Scream Aim Fire | 2008 | #5 [4] | #4 [41] | - |
| Fever | 2010 | #5 [4] | #3 [44] | - |
| Temper Temper | 2013 | #11 [4] | #13 [44] | - |
| Venom | 2015 | #3 [4] | #8 [45] | - |
| Gravity | 2018 | #13 [4] | #17 [46] | - |
| Bullet for My Valentine | 2021 | #13 [4] | #153 [47] | - |
EPs and Singles
Tuck's early contributions include the band's self-titled EP, released on November 15, 2004, in the UK, featuring five tracks produced by Colin Richardson [51]. It did not chart but served as a precursor to their debut album. Key singles co-written and performed by Tuck include:- "4 Words (To Choke Upon)" (2005): UK #40 [4]
- "Suffocating Under Words of Sorrow" (2006): UK #37 [4]
- "Tears Don't Fall" (2006): UK #37 [4]
- "Scream Aim Fire" (2008): UK #34 [4]
- "Hearts Burst into Fire" (2008): UK #66 [4]