Muhammad Hamdan
The recent seismic shifts within the hard rock and metal music scene, marked by the impending farewell of the acclaimed duo ’68 and the unexpected split of the supergroup Better Lovers with vocalist Greg Puciato, have ignited a fervent wave of speculation across online forums and social media platforms. At the heart of this conjecture is the possibility of ’68’s frontman, Josh Scogin, stepping in to fill the vocal void within Better Lovers. However, Scogin has decisively and unequivocally addressed these burgeoning rumors, issuing a clear statement to quash any notions of his imminent involvement with the other band.
In a candid declaration posted to his personal Instagram account, Scogin expressed his appreciation for the widespread speculation while firmly refuting the persistent rumors. "To the rumors of me joining Better Lovers," Scogin began, his words echoing a sentiment of both gratitude and amusement. "First of all, let me say that I am humbled (and honestly flattered) that folks would think of me as a good frontman (front person??) for Better Lovers." He continued, acknowledging the formidable talent within Better Lovers, describing the band as "such a powerhouse of greatness," and stating that even the consideration of his name among their ranks was a significant compliment.
However, Scogin’s message quickly transitioned to a definitive denial. "But… As much as I love the dudes and the music, I am not joining Better Lovers," he stated plainly. He elaborated on his personal approach to musical endeavors, emphasizing his preference for initiating projects rather than joining established entities. "I don’t really join bands. I start them." This distinction is crucial, highlighting a fundamental aspect of Scogin’s artistic identity and his established career trajectory. While he admitted the allure of collaborating creatively with the members of Better Lovers, he affirmed that his immediate focus lies elsewhere. "And as fun as it would be to lock ourselves in a room and create music together, I just have some other ideas brewing for now, that I want to explore." This hints at future solo or new collaborative projects that are currently in their nascent stages of development.
Furthermore, Scogin underscored the independent nature of ’68’s conclusion. He stressed that the band’s decision to disband and embark on a final tour is a narrative entirely unto itself, with no external factors influencing its trajectory. "Plus it is really important to me that folks realize The story arc of ’68 is a standalone story and it has nothing do with any external situations (like joining another band) It is its own trajectory. Set in motion from the very beginning." This clarification serves to reinforce the integrity of ’68’s legacy and the autonomy of their artistic journey, separating it from any potential future endeavors of its members.
Despite the personal pronouncements, the convergence of these two significant events in the music world has naturally fueled public curiosity and debate. The timing of ’68’s farewell announcement, coupled with Puciato’s departure from Better Lovers, created a fertile ground for such speculation. The industry has a long history of musicians transitioning between prominent bands, often leading to exciting and unexpected collaborations. This established precedent likely amplified the rumors surrounding Scogin and Better Lovers.
Background Context: The End of an Era for ’68 and a New Chapter for Better Lovers
The news of ’68’s impending dissolution has sent ripples of disappointment through their dedicated fanbase. Since their formation, the duo, consisting of Josh Scogin and drummer Michael "Tiny" Lafoon, carved a unique niche in the music landscape with their raw, energetic, and often unpredictable performances. Their distinctive sound, characterized by Scogin’s impassioned vocals and intricate guitar work, combined with Lafoon’s powerful drumming, has garnered critical acclaim and a loyal following. Over the years, ’68 has released a series of critically lauded albums, including "The True Meaning of Pain" (2014), "Two Parts ’68" (2017), and "Limited Edition Live" (2019), cementing their reputation as a formidable live act. Their final run of shows, culminating in a "very last show" in Atlanta on June 20th, marks the conclusion of a significant chapter for the band and its members.
Conversely, Better Lovers emerged as a formidable force in the metalcore scene with considerable fanfare. The band, featuring a formidable lineup of established musicians, initially comprised vocalist Greg Puciato (formerly of The Dillinger Escape Plan), guitarist Jordan Buckley (Every Time I Die), bassist Stephen Kluesener (ex-The Number Twelve Looks Like You), and drummer Clayton "Goose" Holyoak (ex-Fit for an Autopsy). Their debut album, "Somewhere at the Bottom of the River Between Witness and Self," released in August 2023, was met with widespread critical praise and commercial success, lauded for its aggressive sound and intricate musicianship. Puciato’s distinctive vocal delivery and stage presence were central to the band’s identity. Therefore, his recent departure, announced on September 12, 2024, through a statement on the band’s official social media channels, came as a significant shock to the music community. The statement cited "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for the split, offering little further detail but confirming that Better Lovers would continue with a new vocalist.
The Genesis of the Rumors: A Confluence of Circumstances
The immediate aftermath of both announcements provided the perfect breeding ground for speculation. Josh Scogin, a vocalist renowned for his intense stage presence and distinctive vocal style, found himself unexpectedly "free agent" status following ’68’s farewell. Simultaneously, Better Lovers, a band with a clear need for a new frontman and a reputation for attracting top-tier talent, found themselves in a similar position. The shared genre, the high profiles of both bands, and the sheer coincidence of their respective situations led many fans to connect the dots. Online discussions quickly escalated, with forums and social media feeds buzzing with theories about Scogin potentially stepping into Puciato’s role. The perceived stylistic similarities between ’68 and Better Lovers, or at least the shared intensity, further fueled these assumptions.
Scogin’s Statement: Clarity and Appreciation
Josh Scogin’s statement on Instagram was not merely a denial; it was a carefully worded response that acknowledged the sentiment behind the rumors while reaffirming his artistic independence. His use of "humbled" and "flattered" suggests a genuine appreciation for the positive regard the public holds for his abilities as a vocalist and performer. The phrase "frontman (front person??)" also subtly addresses evolving language in gender-neutral terminology within the music industry, showcasing an awareness of contemporary discourse.
His explanation of preferring to "start" bands rather than "join" them is a recurring theme in his career. Scogin has a well-documented history of initiating unique musical projects, from the early days of Norma Jean to the formation of ’68. This aligns with his self-perception as an innovator and creator, rather than a collaborator within an existing framework. The mention of "other ideas brewing" provides a tantalizing glimpse into his future creative direction without revealing specific details, maintaining an element of anticipation.
Crucially, Scogin’s emphasis on ’68’s disbandment being an "independent trajectory" serves to preempt any narrative that suggests the band’s end was a direct consequence of him seeking new opportunities elsewhere. This maintains the narrative of ’68’s conclusion as a self-contained artistic decision, respecting the band’s history and the journey they have undertaken.
Industry Implications and Fan Reactions
The public’s intense interest in this situation speaks to the passionate engagement fans have with these artists and their respective projects. The interconnectedness of the music industry means that personnel changes, especially in prominent bands, often generate significant buzz. The "what if" scenarios are a natural byproduct of this dynamic.
For Better Lovers, the search for a new vocalist is a critical juncture. The success of their debut album has set a high bar, and the public’s perception of their next move will be closely scrutinized. The band’s statement about continuing implies a strong commitment to their musical vision and a determination to overcome this hurdle. While Scogin has ruled himself out, the possibility remains that Better Lovers may enlist another vocalist with a comparable level of intensity and technical proficiency. Their existing members, with their own extensive resumes, are well-equipped to navigate this transition.
For Josh Scogin, the period following ’68’s final shows will undoubtedly be a time of creative exploration. His established reputation as a compelling frontman suggests that any new project he undertakes will garner considerable attention. The music community will be keenly watching to see what "ideas brewing" will materialize.
The Unfolding Narrative: ’68’s Finale and Better Lovers’ Future
As ’68 prepares for their final performances, including the climactic show in Atlanta on June 20th, fans have a final opportunity to witness the duo’s renowned live energy. This marks the definitive end of an era for the band and its dedicated followers. Simultaneously, Better Lovers faces the challenge and opportunity of forging ahead. Their commitment to continuing the band suggests a robust creative drive and a desire to build upon the foundation laid by their debut.
Scogin’s clear and respectful denial of the rumors serves to manage expectations and provide clarity amidst a flurry of speculation. While the immediate conjecture about his involvement with Better Lovers has been put to rest, the broader narrative of musicians navigating career transitions and the dynamic evolution of the music scene continues. The industry will undoubtedly be abuzz with further developments as both ’68 concludes its journey and Better Lovers embarks on its next phase. The closing lines of Scogin’s statement, "Anyway – I’m very excited to see what’s next for Better Lovers. We all chat pretty often – So I know they are cooking. So I encourage you to enjoy their story as it unfolds," underscore a continued sense of camaraderie and mutual respect between the artists, even as their professional paths diverge. The final, self-aware note about the writing process, "No A.I. was used to write this. Just a dude, his thoughts and poor attention to punctuation and spelling," adds a touch of Scogin’s characteristic authenticity and humor to the entire affair.
