They Don’t Need to Understand by Andy Biersack

They Don’t Need to Understand by Andy Biersack

Andy Biersack, lead singer of Black Veil Brides, offers an unfiltered look into his life in They Don’t Need to Understand, co-written with Ryan J. Downey. This book isn’t just a memoir—it’s a deeply personal story of resilience, creativity, and the realities of living with mental health struggles while chasing your dreams.

What struck me the most was seeing someone as successful as Andy still struggle with depression. It’s easy to assume that achieving your dreams makes everything better, that once you “make it,” the battles disappear. But Andy’s honesty about his mental health makes it clear that depression isn’t about circumstance—it’s a health condition that can affect anyone. His story makes the struggle feel more real, something not to be ashamed of, but acknowledged and understood.

Listening to They Don’t Need to Understand felt like looking into my own soul. Andy’s experiences—his creativity, feeling like an outsider, struggling to find where he fits—resonated deeply. Like him, I was an only child, not particularly social, excelling in school but never truly enjoying it. Some of my friendships weren’t as genuine as I thought, and I often felt alone. His description of his parents being his best friends mirrored my own experience, and like him, I found solace in music, art, and storytelling when the world around me felt unwelcoming.

Mental health has always been a battle for me. My depression, OCD, and anxiety made my mind my worst enemy. My own “dark passenger” (to borrow a Dexter reference) tried to kill my dreams, silence my voice, and numb my emotions. OCD rituals controlled me—checking doors three times, setting nine alarms, repeating actions until they felt “right.” Three and nine became my numbers, my attempt to create order in a world that felt chaotic. The fear of death terrified me, yet at the same time, thoughts of how easy it would be crept in more times than I could count. Andy’s openness about his struggles reminded me that these battles don’t make us weak. They don’t define us, and they don’t have to control us.

Beyond the mental struggles, one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is simply existing around other people. I’ve spent my life worrying about being a bother, getting in the way, apologizing for things beyond my control. I’ve never had real confidence in myself or my voice. Even now, I overthink before I post anything, terrified of being misunderstood or annoying someone I admire. The push and pull of wanting to be seen while simultaneously fearing it is exhausting.

There was a time when I wouldn’t leave the house without makeup because the thought of someone seeing me without it—someone I’d talked to once—felt unbearable. Now, I still wear it, but I choose when and how. Like Andy, I’ve learned that self-expression—whether through music, writing, or style—isn’t about seeking approval. It’s about creating something that is ours.

One of the most powerful aspects of this book is Andy’s self-awareness. He openly reflects on how fame changed him into someone he wasn’t happy with and the journey it took to reclaim himself. That kind of honesty and growth is something I deeply admire.

Another thing that really stood out was the way Andy talks about his wife, Juliet (now Lilith). The love and admiration he has for her is so evident, and it’s heartwarming to see. Two people in the same industry naturally have a deeper understanding of the pressures and sacrifices that come with this career, and knowing that they’ve found happiness together is incredible. Seeing them support each other and thrive in both their personal and professional lives is something truly special.

Beyond his personal journey, They Don’t Need to Understand highlights something even greater: community. Through his solo career, Black Veil Brides, and The Andy Show, Andy has created a space where fans can come together and feel seen. The BVB community is full of some of the most supportive people I’ve ever encountered, and this book reinforces why—Andy has always encouraged authenticity and self-expression, even in the face of struggle.

Hearing Andy tell his own story in his own words made me more proud than ever to be a fan. I wasn’t there from the very beginning—I found Black Veil Brides in 2016—but that doesn’t change the impact his work has had on me. His story is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and staying true to yourself, even when the world tries to push you in another direction.

Whether or not you’re familiar with Andy Biersack or Black Veil Brides, this book speaks to the universal experience of fighting for your dreams while battling your own mind. It’s proof that success doesn’t erase struggle, but it also doesn’t mean the struggle wins.

Andy, thank you—for making us feel like a part of a family, for making us feel important, for being there whenever we need you, even if you don’t realize it. Hopefully, one day, I’ll get to tell you this in person.

And now, I can’t wait for the next chapter of your journey! I’ve already preordered your next book, and I’m beyond excited to read it.

Thank you for everything🖤💀🖤