Staind - It's Been Awhile (Official Video)

About The Sound

A musician is someone who composes, conducts, or performs music. According to the United States Employment Service, "musician" is a general term used to designate a person who follows music as a profession. Musicians include songwriters, who write both music and lyrics for songs; conductors, who direct a musical performance; and performers, who perform for an audience. A music performer is generally either a singer (also known as a vocalist), who provides vocals, or an instrumentalist, who plays...

About This Footage

This footage is a rare gem from 2001, the official music video for Staind's breakout single "It's Been Awhile". The song was a massive hit, reaching #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping both Modern Rock and Mainstream Rock charts. It's no surprise that this clip has been tagged as "Rare", given its significance in the post-grunge and alternative metal scene of the early 2000s.

Staind, formed in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1995, was on the rise at this point, with a stable lineup consisting of Aaron Lewis, Mike Mushok, Johnny April, and Jon Wysocki. Their music was a defining sound of the era, characterized by Lewis's distinctive vocals and Mushok's guitar work. "It's Been Awhile" was more than just a hit single - it established Staind as one of the most played rock bands of the early 2000s.

What makes this clip so notable is its raw emotion and authenticity. The lyrics, penned by Lewis, are a deeply personal and relatable exploration of addiction, regret, and redemption. The song's themes of struggle and perseverance resonated with listeners, cementing Staind's place in the hearts of rock fans everywhere. Watching the video today, it's clear that "It's Been Awhile" was more than just a hit single - it was a cultural touchstone.

The clip itself is a masterclass in restraint, with Lewis's emotive vocals and Mushok's soaring guitar work taking center stage. The visuals are simple yet effective, capturing the intensity of the music without resorting to flashy production tricks. It's a testament to Staind's commitment to their art that they were able to create something so timeless and enduring.

In contrast to some of the more bombastic rock videos of the era, "It's Been Awhile" is a stripped-back, introspective affair. Lewis's vocals are raw and unadorned, conveying the pain and vulnerability that underpins the song. Mushok's guitar work is equally impressive, providing a soaring counterpoint to Lewis's emotive delivery.

This clip is also notable for its rarity - it's not often that you come across footage from 2001 that still holds up today. The era of post-grunge and alternative metal was a time of great creativity and experimentation, with bands pushing the boundaries of what was possible in rock music. Staind was at the forefront of this movement, and "It's Been Awhile" remains one of their standout tracks.

Watching this clip today, it's clear that Staind's music still has the power to move and inspire audiences. The song's themes of struggle and redemption continue to resonate with listeners, making it a timeless classic of the era. If you're new to Staind or just looking for a reminder of why they were so beloved in the early 2000s, "It's Been Awhile" is an essential watch.

As the camera pans out on Lewis's anguished face, Mushok's guitar work soaring behind him, it's clear that this clip is more than just a nostalgic trip back to the early 2000s. It's a testament to Staind's enduring legacy as one of the most important rock bands of their generation.

Curated from public records and music databases.