With Sevendust preparing to drop their highly anticipated fifteenth studio album, One, on May 1 via Napalm Records, the band’s legendary frontman is reflecting on their incredible three-decade journey.
In a recent interview with Kati Rausch of “Music Interview Corner,” vocalist Lajon Witherspoon opened up about the inner workings of the heavy metal institution, revealing what keeps them grounded, connected, and focused night after night on the road.
When asked who has the wildest pre-show routine, the frontman quickly claimed the title. However, he also highlighted a deeply personal, unifying tradition that the group has maintained since their very first gig—one that has even attracted other musicians on their current 2026 European run.
“Probably me. I like to do my warm-ups. I like to play all kind of different kind of music. We do a lot of dancing, a lot of joking. But the thing that we do every night before we’ve gone on since the day we started is we pray together as a band. And if you happen to be here and you pass me, I’m gonna bring you in the prayer. But one good thing is Brian Marshall from [Sevendust‘s 2026 European tourmates] Alter Bridge shows up for the prayer every night with us. He makes a point to come to find us, to pray with us,” he said (as transcribed by Blabbermouth).
Witherspoon elaborated on the nature of these moments, explaining that they are less about strict religious dogma and more about gratitude and protection.
“I do a prayer to thank for everything that we have, and we’re so very blessed to be here and to make sure that everyone that shows up gets home safely too. And let’s go out here and rock it.”
Addressing the broader concept of faith in his life, the singer emphasized the importance of holding onto personal beliefs, especially when navigating difficult chapters.
“Oh, I don’t like to always tell this. I do say this, I’ll say this tonight. I say I don’t care what you believe in; you just gotta believe in something. You have to believe in something, whatever it is, I don’t care… But yeah, you just have to have some type of faith. I think it’s a beautiful thing. I’ve grown up to have faith, and it is definitely a healer. And in those dark times, I think that helps a lot.”
Sevendust endured over 30 years with only two minor lineup changes. Looking back at their early aspirations, Witherspoon noted how their youthful dreams of touring with their future families eventually became a reality.
“I remember when we first started out how I knew that I would never take this for granted. But I also remember saying, ‘Wouldn’t it be cool one day if we had the band still and we had kids and wives and then we could bring them out on the bus and on tour with us and stuff?’ We’re all, like, ‘Yeah, that would be cool.’ That stuff happened. I can’t get my wife nowhere near a tour bus anymore. The kids love it…So we got to do all that. So that’s been a blessing.
Ultimately, the true secret to their survival comes down to mutual respect and an unwavering commitment to a democratic creative process. By ensuring that every member has a voice, they have managed to avoid the ego traps that destroy so many other acts.
“But you know what I think — I think respecting each other. And then also something in our band — not to have to go too deep — but this is something that I always said from day one. It can’t only come from one person’s perspective. If it all came just from me, that would be boring. So if anyone knows anyone, it’s us. And if my brother has something that’s on his mind and he wants to write and sing, I’m gonna help and we’re gonna convey that and we understand each other. I think at this point of our career, we’re closer than we’ve ever been. It’s kind of crazy. We’re really very blessed.”
