Casey Calvert (1981 -2007)

Casey Calvert (1981 -2007)

Casey was born October 20, 1981. He played rhythm and lead guitar, unclean backing vocals for Hawthorne Heights. His light brown mop of perpetually messy hair had grown out, falling thick down to the nape of his neck and just above his eyebrows, shading two tired, deeply set blue eyes. He also sported a dusting of facial hair, confirming any suspicion that grooming was not a top priority for this guy.

Looking like an average, nondescript teenager for the first 19 years of his life, Calvert’s appearance had changed since Hawthorne Heights formed six years ago. Today, his arms, chest and feet had become a canvas for various tattoo artists, featuring depictions of Dr. Seuss characters, Jack the Pumpkin King and Kidrobot. A hoop piercing distinguished the noticeably pudgy nose that occasionally held up Calvert’s pair of black, rectangular rimmed glasses, and two large, gauged earrings had created small, gaping holes in his earlobes. A final facial piercing could be found on the right side of his lower lip.

Calvert, a vegetarian and PETA member, usually cooked his own food on the bus. His favorite meal included a grilled cheese sandwich with Dr. Pepper to wash it down. Afterward he often treated himself to a pack of gummy bears, from the case he bought before the tour.

Achievements:

The band found success with both of their first two albums, their 2004 release, The Silence in Black and White, and their 2006 album, If Only You Were Lonely, both achieving Gold certification. Their second album additionally peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard's Independent Albums chart and No. 3 on the Billboard 200 charts. They are also well known for their 2006 single "Saying Sorry", which reached Gold status and peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot Modern Rock Tracks chart. The band's third album, Fragile Future, was released on August 5, 2008.

The members of the band spent a few days mourning, reflecting, and writing a song about the death. This song became "Four Become One" on its album Fragile Future. The members also dedicated another song to Calvert called "Sugar in the Engine". In the end of the song, JT Woodruff can be heard speaking of Calvert. Calvert was only 26 when he died. When the band plays old hits from either "The Silence in Black and White" or "If Only You Were Lonely" Carli steps in and does all of Calvert's parts.

Charity: PETA