It’s amazing how, after a while, it’s difficult to imagine certain legendary tunes ever taking on a new shape. However, former Saliva singer Josey Scott claims that he was initially approached about singing on Evanescence’s blockbuster 2003 single “Bring Me to Life.” “I was asked to do the ‘Bring Me To Life’ song, and our schedules were mixed up or something, and I didn’t get to do it,” the singer explained during an appearance on The Metal Summit (as heard below). So the 12 Stones kid did it.” The “kid from 12 Stones” was Paul McCoy, who not only sung on the song but also appeared in the video. 12 Stones had previously published their self-titled first album in 2002, which was released by Wind-Up Records, who also had Evanescence on their roster, at the time of McCoy’s guest appearance.
When one of the Metal Summit hosts remarked that the rap portion sounded “very Josey,” the singer said, “I definitely have a chill go up my spine every time I hear that song.” How “Bring Me to Life” Rap Came to Be. Prior to the release of their debut album, the band argued with Wind-Up over the inclusion of a male vocalist. The group initially objected to the concept, but a compromise was reached in which a male co-vocalist would only appear on the band’s debut single. Amy Lee tells us in our Wikipedia: Fact or Fiction episode, “I had to fight that fight hard.” We had to leave that spot in California, say, ‘Never mind, I guess we’re dropped and not doing anything,’ and drive back to Arkansas with tears in our eyes because we refused to do tryouts and hire a rapper.”
“It did work out, and I can’t be mad about it now,” Lee remarked. However, Evanescence subsequently dropped the rap element from their live performances. “God bless the rap, it’s part of what got us on the radio, I guess,” Lee told News.com.au in 2017. At least according to all the radio regulations with which I disagree or am unfamiliar. The rap wasn’t part of our initial concept or sound; it was, in many ways, a compromise. So being able to return to the song’s original vision was fantastic.” “The recording of a song that ends up being the one you hear the most through history is usually when the song was just freshly written,” she continued, referring to a rap-free version the band made for their Synthesis album. You’re still learning it and getting acclimated to the notes and how the pieces work. ‘Bring Me to Life,’ for sure. After singing it live for so long, there are new vocal choices I’ve made and things we’ve gotten to employ in this version.”
She stated that she frequently “forgets” that the original version has rap, explaining, “At the time it was a big issue, it was our first single.” I wanted people to know who we were. As an artist, you’re always up against this. Nobody would comprehend who we were if we only had one hit and no one ever heard from us again. We’ve moved past that moment, so the rap no longer irritates me. But I’m really excited to release a new version sans the rap.” She stated that she frequently “forgets” that the original version has rap, explaining, “At the time it was a big issue, it was our first single.” I wanted people to know who we were. As an artist, you’re always up against this. Nobody would comprehend who we were if we only had one hit and no one ever heard from us again. We’ve moved past that moment, so the rap no longer irritates me. But I’m really excited to release a new version sans the rap.”
“Bring Me to Life” Was a Huge Success. “Bring Me to Life” became a huge success. It reached No. 1 on the Alternative Airplay list, No. 11 on the Mainstream Rock list, and No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was the year’s No. 8 Alternative Airplay tune and the decade’s No. 26. It has sold over 3 million units and has been certified as a triple-platinum song.
