Buckcherry is a five-piece Anaheim, California based band that came to be in 1995. This year, they’re celebrating 25 years in rock music. From the beginning, Buckcherry has cranked out chart topping hits and catchy bangers that are still popular today. The band’s line-up currently consists of the original lead singer Josh Todd, Stevie D. and Billy Rowe on guitar, Kelly LeMieux on bass, and Francis Ruiz on drums.
Some of their most renowned songs are “Lit Up” (Buckcherry 1999), “Say F*ck It” (F*ck 2014) and first Billboard Hot 100 top ten hit, “Sorry” (15 2007). “Crazy Bitch” from 2007 album 15 was the band’s first single to hit the Billboard Hot 100 charts and remains a fan-favorite. The album is currently celebrating its 20th birthday, even had a special re-release 20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition that premiered earlier this year.
This summer, Buckcherry will be released their 11th studio album called Roar Like Thunder. In August, Buckcherry will be joined the Scorpions as a special guest during their Las Vegas residency in honor of their 60th anniversary as a rock band. The shows took place at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. You can also find Buckcherry touring around North America from now until the end of the year. The band also kicks off a UK run in February 2026.
We caught up with lead vocalist Josh Todd on ShipRocked to talk about crazy weather at Sturgis, his love for reading, and his must pack travel item.
You’re celebrating a few anniversaries this year.
Yeah, we’re celebrating 25 years in the rock game, for sure. It’s the 20th anniversary of our biggest record, 15 too.
What’s your secret to keeping the band going?
Hard work, perseverance, passion. That’s really it. Loving what you do.
I saw you just re-released your album 15 for its anniversary.
Yes, we re-released 15. We’re also dropping our 11th record in June.
How did the Las Vegas residency come about?
The Scorpions have a relationship with Francis, our drummer. We’re super grateful. We’re huge fans and it was such a great experience to be able to play with them.
The last time I saw you was at Sturgis. Do you have any crazy Sturgis stories?
Sturgis is a crazy place in general because we always play outdoors. I think the craziest thing about that place is that the weather is really unpredictable. We’ve been there at times where it was sunny at soundcheck, and then there was golf ball sized hail right before we went on. You know, lots of wind. It becomes challenging. But the best part about Sturgis are the crowds. When they like what you’re doing, if they like a song, they all rev their motorcycles. It reminds me of Mad Max the movie. It’s insane.
What are your must-pack travel items?
I always carry a barrette; this cute little hair thing that’s from my daughter when she was a very little. It’s always in my jewelry case. That’s something I always take. Books on Kindle. I have to have books to read. Now I’m reading about serial killers in Mexico. It is insane what’s going on in that joint. I’m a true crime fanatic. It’s a pretty intense book.
You’ve toured all over the world many times. Any hidden gems for people to visit?
I would always tell people to visit Japan. Japan is one of my favorite places outside of the United States to go to. The culture is amazing. The people are amazing. We really enjoy it.
Have you ever been inspired by a location to write a song?
Not really locations. You know, I’ve written a lot of songs because books have really inspired me, like ”The Art of War” and “A Child Called It” and stuff like that.
When can fans look forward to new music?
We have a new record. It’s called Roar Like Thunder, and it came out on June 13th. It’s a great record.