Biography
Who is Shaun Morgan?
Early life and music
Born Shaun Morgan Welgemoed in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, he spent his youth in his home country. During his school years at Maritzburg College, he played rugby until a back injury prevented him from continuing. This physical setback served as a turning point, leading him to begin playing the guitar. At age fourteen, he found inspiration in the Seattle grunge movement after listening to Nirvana.
Before finding international success, he performed in a tribute band covering artists such as Creed and Tom Petty. In May 1999, he formed the band Saron Gas. The group originally functioned as a four-piece ensemble, but after the singer and guitarist failed to attend practice, the band restructured as a trio. Shaun Morgan took over lead vocal and guitar duties during this period. The group released an album titled Fragile in 2000 before a lineup change involving bassist Dale Stewart.
Career with Seether
In 2002, the band relocated to the United States to sign with Wind-up Records. Following the departure of their drummer, the remaining members chose a new name, Seether, which was inspired by a song by the band Veruca Salt. Shaun Morgan began using his middle name professionally during this time because the pronunciation of his surname, Welgemoed, proved difficult for many American audiences. Their major-label debut album, Disclaimer, arrived in August 2002.
The band continued to release studio albums consistently over the following decades. These include Karma and Effect in 2005, Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces in 2007, and Holding Onto Strings Better Left to Fray in 2011. Later releases include Isolate and Medicate, Poison the Parish, Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum, and The Surface Seems So Far. In 2013, he collaborated with the band Lynyrd Skynyrd and guitarist John 5 on the track Sad Song.
Personal life and history
Shaun Morgan has faced significant personal challenges, including the death of his brother, Eugene Welgemoed, in 2007. Eugene died by suicide in Rapid City, South Dakota. The album Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces was dedicated to his brother, and the song Rise Above This was written as a tribute to him. He also has tattoos on his fingers marking the date his brother died. Shaun Morgan has spoken openly about his struggles, including checking into rehab in 2006.
Regarding his personal relationships, he dated singer Amy Lee from 2003 until 2005. Later, in May 2021, he married Jordan Kirby. They are parents to a daughter and a son. Musically, he has been influenced by a wide range of artists, including Black Sabbath, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, and The Beatles. He is an atheist and has played guitars from brands like Schecter and Ernie Ball Music Man throughout his career.
Birthday and age
Shaun Morgan was born on December 21, 1978, which makes Shaun 47 years old today. That birthday falls under the Sagittarius sign. Shaun shares the date with 25 other famous people.
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