Its lineup consists of vocalist/guitarist Stephen Richards, bassist Phil Lipscomb, drummer Jarrod Montague, and guitarist Taylor Roberts.

The band released Our Long Road Home in 2008, which was immediately followed by drummer Montague's departure and the addition of Nick Fredell.

Taproot then released Plead the Fifth in 2010, which featured the moderately successful single "Fractured (Everything I Said Was True)", followed by The Episodes, in 2012.

Taproot was formed in 1997 in Ann Arbor, Michigan by vocalist Stephen Richards, guitarist Mike DeWolf, bassist Phil Lipscomb, and drummer Jarrod Montague.

[10] Shortly after forming, they recorded their first demos at Woodshed Studios in Oak Park, Michigan, with Tim Pak.

[14][15] Taproot independently released their debut album, ...Something More Than Nothing (1998), the EP Mentobe (1998), and their second record, Upon Us (1999) around this time.

[citation needed] Taproot released their major-label debut album, Gift, on June 27, 2000, through Atlantic Records.

With the help of Ozzy Osbourne's son Jack, Taproot landed a spot on the second stage of the 2000 and 2001 Ozzfest tour.

Returning from their hiatus, Taproot released their third major-label studio album, Blue-Sky Research, on August 16, 2005.

[20] The lead single, "Calling", (co-written by Jonah Matranga), was used by WWE as the theme song for the 2005 pay-per-view Unforgiven.

[citation needed] Taproot acted as direct support to Chevelle alongside Thirty Seconds to Mars.

The band then headlined a major tour with Evans Blue and From Satellite to promote the album's release.

[citation needed] On May 23, 2006, it was reported that Taproot had parted ways with Atlantic Records after disappointing sales of Blue-Sky Research.

[22] On March 5, 2007, Taproot confirmed that they were in the process of recording their sixth album, entitled Our Long Road Home, with producer Tim Patalan.

[citation needed] According to the Taproot website, the band decided to forgo signing to a major label.

Just over a week after it was issued, Taproot announced that longtime drummer Montague would be leaving the band, to be replaced by Nick Fredell.

Jarrod's still very much a part of our family, so you'll be seeing him in press and the 'Wherever I Stand' video which is out now on Youtube..."Taproot toured with Sevendust and Dear Enemy around this time.

Taproot promoted Plead the Fifth with a headlining run in the summer of 2010, with support from Ice Nine Kills and label-mates Destrophy.

In an October 14 interview, Richards spoke candidly about his bout with seizures and how his medical issues had affected touring and onstage performances.

[29] Taproot supported The Episodes with a headlining Winter Riot Tour (with 12 Stones, Digital Summer, 3 Pill Morning, and Prospect Hill).

[citation needed] The first half of 2013 saw Taproot playing their major label debut album, Gift, in its entirety on tour with Boy Hits Car and Intertwined.

[30] On June 16, 2013, drummer Fredell announced on his Twitter account that he had departed the band, citing "some bad blood".

[citation needed] On July 9, 2015, a statement was released by Lipscomb, stating that DeWolf was not interested in continuing with the band.

Just prior to his death from an overdose, Staley was set to record vocals for a Taproot song that was written for their 2002 album, Welcome.

[31] On August 8, 2015, Taproot played at Dirt Fest in Birch Run, Michigan, with Dave Lizzio, formerly of Nonpoint, as the band's guitarist.

Original drummer Montague also appeared at the anniversary concert, along with his band WestFall as the opening act.

[36] On October 16, 2017, the band announced a twentieth-anniversary show and performed on December 23 at Token Lounge in Westland, Michigan.

[44] Some of the bands that have influenced Taproot include Alice in Chains,[45][46] Faith No More,[47] Van Halen,[48] and Rush.

[2] In 2001, the band were announced to be contributing a cover of the song "Ricochet" for a Faith No More tribute album, but the project never came to fruition.