| "Even If It Kills Me" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Papa Roach | ||||
| Released | January 22, 2025 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 3:32 | |||
| Label | New Noize Records / ADA | |||
| Songwriters |
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| Producer | Drew Fulk | |||
| Papa Roach singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "Even If It Kills Me" on YouTube | ||||
"Even If It Kills Me" is a song by American rock band Papa Roach, released on January 22, 2025, through New Noize Records/ADA. [1] [2] It was produced by Drew Fulk and co-written by Jacoby Shaddix, Tobin Esperance, Anthony Esperance, Drew Fulk, and Andrew Goldstein. The song has been described as a return to the band's alternative hard-rock roots and anthemic in style. [3] It reached No. 1 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Airplay chart, becoming the band's fourth consecutive chart-topper and 11th overall. [4] The single was released to coincide with Papa Roach's 2025 UK and European arena tour, the "Rise of the Roach tour", celebrating the 25th anniversary of their debut album, Infest. [5]
"Even If It Kills Me" is Papa Roach's first single since 2023's collaboration with Carrie Underwood, Leave a Light On (Talk Away the Dark) . [3] The song was premiered live in Berlin at Huxley's Neue Welt on January 21, 2025, at a last-minute sold-out underplay. [1] [5]
The lyrical inspiration came from Jacoby Shaddix witnessing his son go through a traumatic breakup. Shaddix stated the song reflects the desire to support loved ones through hardship and to share the burden of pain. [6] The initial music for the track began approximately two years before its release. [7]
On March 28, 2025, Papa Roach released a re-imagined version of "Even If It Kills Me" via New Noize Records/ADA. [8] [9] In May 2025, an acoustic version was released highlighting the song's emotional and melodic aspects. [10]
The song is a return to the band's alternative hard-rock roots. [3] It has been described as darkly anthemic and arena-ready, about supporting others through hardship. The chorus is anthemic and uplifting, emphasizing emotional solidarity. [2]
An animated official lyric video was released alongside the single in January 2025. [3]
The live-action music video, directed by Jesse Davey and Ed Shiers, premiered shortly after the single release. Shaddix described it as "one of our most epic videos yet", portraying him as an "inner action hero". [7]
On March 26, 2025, a new official video was released for the re-imagined version, continuing the narrative from the original. [8] In late May 2025, an acoustic music video was released presenting a stripped-down and intimate rendition of the track. [10]
The song was premiered live in Berlin at Huxley's Neue Welt on January 21, 2025. [1] The single release coincided with the "Rise of the Roach tour". [5]
| Date | City | Venue | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 21, 2025 | Berlin, Germany | Huxley's Neue Welt | Live premiere of "Even If It Kills Me" |
| April 24, 2025 | Detroit, Michigan, US | Riff Lounge | Intimate acoustic 'Riff Session'; Shaddix performed a playful metal yell during finale. [11] |
| February 10, 2025 | London, UK | Wembley Arena | Opened live show with "Even If It Kills Me"; stage featured roach-adorned curtain, LCDs and pyro. [12] |
Loudwire included "Even If It Kills Me" in their '51 Best Rock + Metal Songs of 2025'. Critics praised the song's combination of veteran experience with youthful angst, highlighting Shaddix's commanding vocals and emotional honesty. [13]
"Even If It Kills Me" reached No. 1 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Airplay chart dated March 22, 2025. It is the band's fourth consecutive No. 1 and their 11th overall. [4] Within the first five weeks, it amassed nearly 10 million streams and charted in 27 countries. [7]
Production and additional credits
Weekly charts
| Year-end charts
|
| Region | Date | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Worldwide | January 22, 2025 | Digital download, streaming |
| Worldwide | March 28, 2025 | Re-imagined version, digital download, streaming |
| Worldwide | May 27, 2025 | Acoustic version, digital download, streaming |