What Happened to Needtobreathe Brother? An In-Depth Look at the Band‘s History and Evolution

Hey there! As a longtime fan of Needtobreathe‘s powerful, soulful music, I wanted to share with you the complete story of this talented band. Specifically, we‘ll dive into the role of the Rinehart brothers, Bear and Bo, who have been the core of this group from the start. I‘ll also fill you in on what led to certain band members like Josh Lovelace and Joe Stillwell eventually leaving the band. There‘s a rich history behind Needtobreathe‘s music that I can‘t wait to uncover for you!

How Needtobreathe Formed and Got Their Start

Needtobreathe first emerged out of Possum Kingdom, South Carolina back in 1998. Childhood friends Bear Rinehart and Bo Rinehart, along with pal Seth Bolt, started the band when they were still teens. Bear and Bo came from a religious family, which influenced their faith-driven lyrics.

After recruiting drummer Joe Stillwell and bassist Nathan Dugger, the group released two independently-produced EPs, gaining a regional fanbase. Their 2001 debut album Daylight earned them devotion in the Southeast US. Signing with Atlantic/Lava Records in 2005 gave them wider exposure, with their second album The Heat reaching #2 on Billboard‘s Top Christian Albums chart.

Fun Fact: The band‘s name "Needtobreathe" is meant to symbolize the need we all have to take a step back, reflect, and reconnect with faith when facing challenges.

Needtobreathe‘s Musical Style and Influences

Needtobreathe blends together elements of alternative, blues, country, and heartland rock behind Bear‘s distinctive, soulful vocals. Their lyrics explore spiritual themes and share personal stories of resilience.

Some musical influences I‘ve noticed in their sound include:

• Southern and roots rock bands like Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
• 90s alt rock groups like Pearl Jam, Live, and Creed
• The raspy, bluesy vocals of Joe Cocker
• The confessional lyrical style of artists like Joni Mitchell

This has allowed them to develop an anthemic, emotion-filled sound in songs like "Difference Maker," "Brother," and "Washed by the Water." Their music fills arenas with energy!

The Special Bond Between the Rinehart Brothers

At the center of the band lies the connection between lead singer Bear Rinehart and his brother, guitarist Bo Rinehart. Growing up together in rural South Carolina, the siblings formed a close friendship from a young age.

As frontman, primary songwriter, and rhythm guitarist, Bear Rinehart provides the raw soulful energy in both vocals and lyrics. For example, hits like "Multiplied" and "Something Beautiful" truly shine thanks to his gravelly, passionate voice and introspective words.

Fun Fact: Bear was originally nicknamed "Bear" as a kid for his intense energy!

Meanwhile, Bo Rinehart complements his brother beautifully on lead guitar, weaving intricate melodies and solos that complete their sound. His talents polish up their live performances.

In interviews, the brothers frequently emphasize how their innate, lifelong bond takes their musical chemistry to the next level. They just seem connected on a deeper wavelength, you know?

By the Numbers: Needtobreathe‘s Success

Just to give you an idea of how how far Needtobreathe has come over their 20+ year career:

• 7 studio albums released
• Over 4 million albums sold worldwide
• 4 albums have reached #1 on Billboard‘s Top Christian Albums chart
• 3 singles have reached #1 on Billboard‘s Christian Songs chart
• Their song "Brother" became their biggest crossover mainstream hit, reaching #2 on the Adult Alternative chart in 2010

It‘s clear their heartfelt, meaningful music resonates widely with listeners across genres!

Why Did Josh Lovelace Leave the Band in 2018?

Josh Lovelace was the group‘s original bassist from 1998 until 2018. He grew up close with the Rinehart brothers in Possum Kingdom.

In June 2018, after 20 years of playing in Needtobreathe, Lovelace announced he was leaving to spend more time focused on:

• His solo music career
• His family and personal life
• Other musical interests outside the band

Bear shared that Lovelace‘s departure was difficult but completely amicable:

"Josh is not only a bandmate, but family to me. There is no replacing what he has brought to our band’s journey."

For his part, Lovelace said leaving the band after so long was a tough but necessary choice, as his priorities had evolved.

Since leaving the band on good terms, Lovelace has:

• Released several EPs and singles as a solo artist
• Started his own management company representing artists
• Worked on musical projects with various musicians

It seems he departed Needtobreathe to pursue his evolving musical passions, while still retaining his friendship with the band.

Drummer Joe Stillwell Also Departed in 2020

In March 2020, drummer Joe Stillwell announced he was also leaving Needtobreathe after 19 incredible years rocking the drums for them night after night.

In a public statement on the departure, Stillwell shared:

"It has been a long time coming and I am excited to move on to the next season of life and music.”

Stillwell said he was thankful for the experiences and fans over the years. Meanwhile, the band expressed gratitude for Stillwell‘s integral role since their formation.

Since leaving the band on great terms, Stillwell has:

• Pursued session drumming opportunities
• Played on albums by various artists
• Been involved with several musical projects

After his amicable exit, Needtobreathe chose their guitarist Seth Bolt to switch over to drums, and brought on new bassist Matt Sterenberg. This allowed them to continue touring with a smooth transition.

Why the Band Took a Hiatus in 2017

In 2017, Needtobreathe announced they were taking a break from touring and recording after 13 straight years of constant activity.

In a post on their website, frontman Bear Rinehart explained the reasons behind their break:

• Exhaustion – both mental and physical
• Personal growth needed by each member
• Some communication issues within the band
• Desire to evolve creatively and personally

As Rinehart shared:

"Touring is an incredible gift. It can also be a complex and stressful endeavor for extended periods of time. Internally, over the past few years, we had embarked on a journey of personal growth that required us to take an honest look at the way we work together."

Thankfully, after about a year off to decompress, the band returned feeling refreshed and excited to create again. Their 2019 album Out of Body was proof!

The Meaning Behind Their Song "Brother"

One of Needtobreathe‘s most famous songs is their hit 2010 track “Brother,” written by Bear and Bo Rinehart. It holds special meaning for the brothers.

The chorus, with the line “Brother let me be your shelter,” finds Bear soulfully singing about the unbreakable bond between him and his brother. The lyrics emphasize unconditional loyalty and sacrifice:

“I’ll be the one to light the way
Bring you home when you’re lost
I’ll be the voice of reason
When you don’t care what it costs”

In interviews, Bear revealed the song was written during a transitional period when both he and Bo got married. The lyrics explore the shifts in their relationship through their brotherhood lens.

Beyond the Rineharts, “Brother” resonates with so many listeners through its universal themes of devotion, kinship, and redemption. It peaked at #2 on Billboard‘s Adult Alternative chart, becoming their mainstream breakout hit. Fans absolutely love belting it out during their live shows!

The Band Continues Their Legacy Today

Despite changes in their lineup over the years, Needtobreathe has retained their core identity thanks to Bear and Bo Rinehart‘s artistic vision. They‘ve continued touring and releasing vulnerable, cathartic music with a spiritual undercurrent.

Their latest album Into the Mystery (2021) examines life‘s complexity through gritty, soul-searching rock. And their 2022 single “Forever on Your Side” highlights the enduring bond between the Rinehart brothers.

It seems that even if more members someday depart, the band is anchored firmly by Bear and Bo‘s creative partnership. I know I‘ll be listening for many more years to come!

Well, I hope you enjoyed this deep dive into the incredible journey of Needtobreathe! Let me know if you have any other questions about your favorite Southern rock band. I‘m always happy to chat more about their inspiring story and music.