For Say Anything lead vocalist Max Bemis, the success of his band could not have been any sweeter. After selling out venues and garnering a great deal of buzz, Say Anything was looking to launch into a nationally recognized act.

But last year the recognition and excitement began to overwhelm Bemis. He was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and his issues led him to cancel the band’s last two tours. Bemis said it all just got to be too much for him to deal with, leading to a ” bipoplar meltdown.”

“I started to get delusional, and then decided just to cancel the tour,” Bemis said.

More than two million adults suffer from bipolar disorder in the U.S. any given year. The mental disorder can lead to severe mood swings and suicidal tendencies.

For Bemis, dealing with the untreated disorder and attempting to be successful was too much to take, leading to his delusions and eventual break from the band.

Having a friend go through such a difficult time can be hard on a band, but Say Anything stayed together though Bemis’ problems, however, and is now moving forward with its music.

“The band just stuck with me through it all, which was so cool of them,” Bemis said. “Now I just want to have some awesome tours and some sweet shows for the rest of the year.”

Say Anything is kicking off its latest nationwide tour, featuring Pistolita, Slow Runner and Ela.

The band chose to stay true to its roots and release the album, “. is a Real Boy,” on a small label, making its name by touring. The underground buzz helped it sell out a show at the M-Shop last year.

“A lot of kids came out based just on the name Say Anything,” said Eric Hutchison, M-Shop co-director.

Hutchison said when booking shows, he tries to find acts that are talented but also put on a good show, and Hutchison said Say Anything more than fits the bill.

Adam Welker, freshman in biochemistry, said he loves going to Say Anything’s shows and is really drawn to the band because of the effort put into its music.

“I love the energy they have in their live performances and the work that [Bemis] puts into his songs,” Welker said. “[Bemis] just gets so excited, he can really get the crowd involved with the show.”

Part of what adds to the live show is the unique sound Bemis says the band has. He lists the band’s influences from punk bands such as Saves the Day and Green Day to rock groups such as the Foo Fighters and Weezer and even classic groups such as Queen. With such a deep well of musical inspiration to draw from, the result is a sound all its own.

Combining with the music to create the sound are Bemis’ lyrics. He said they come from within and are all original.

“I just write from my personal experiences or things that I have observed,” Bemis said.

With so much time being spent on the road, Bemis said he finds it can be difficult to write new music, but said fans should look for a new album sometime early next year.

Welker encourages any music fans, regardless of taste, to come to the show and see what Say Anything is all about.

“Anyone who goes will not be disappointed,” Welker said.

“[Bemis’s] voice and music are so unique, it can appeal to any audience.”