Not much lasts 20 years these days. Relationships, businesses, and bands all seem to have shorter lifespans than they used to. I can't even commit to waiting a week for the next episode of a television series. In 1997, I was just a wee-little 7-year-old playing on park playgrounds and making booger jokes. Meanwhile, a group of guys in Southern Florida were forming a band and would eventually come to be known as the "grandfathers of Pop-Punk." New Found Glory was part of a late 90s wave of pop-punk that helped pave the way for the bands today, like The Wonder Years and State Champs.

Photo: David Bean

 

 

If you've never heard of them, you've probably heard at least one of their songs before. They haven't had an enormous amount of mainstream success, but they have seen a few hits that will pop up from time to time on Spotify or another streaming platform. I do have to say that when their 20 year anniversary tour got announced, I was pretty bummed. There was no date within a few hundred miles of Raleigh, and I was preparing to make the trek to one of the closest shows. Fortunately, the tour was a huge hit and almost every show was selling out. So, as a result, the band decided to add some extra days onto the tour and one of those dates just so happened to be in Carrboro NC!

 

They were set to play their albums Catalyst and Sticks & Stones, in their entirety, and I couldn't have been happier. Sticks & Stones has always been one of my favorite pop-punk albums and the fact that I would get to hear it from beginning to end was insane! Doors were set to open at 7pm and I arrived at about 6:30. There wasn't much of a line, and this surprised me. However, by 7:45 the venue was full and ready to explode out of excitement. I overheard multiple conversations about the first time they heard/saw New Found Glory. Debates on which album was the best, and I believe a little a cappella jam session broke out at some point. Trash Boat hit the stage to start things off, on their first tour in the United States. The crowd made them feel welcome by really showing off how their music has crossed the ocean long before they set foot in the states. They dedicated songs to their "mums" and their dads, and expressed just how appreciative they are of New Found Glory for allowing them to take on the crazy eight-week tour.

 

The La La Land track came to an abrupt end and the band walked onto the stage, and completely madness took over the crowd.
 

As a fan just enjoying the show I was in a push-moshing, crowd-surfing, sweaty dream. But, as a photographer I was not in a good place. The crowd was so lively, I could barely keep my camera above my shoulders. I took a handful of shots in the crowd and then worked my way off to the side so I could actually do my job. Not only is the band known for their great music, they're also known for their energetic and interactive stage presence. Running back and forth, jumping in the air, leaning into the crowd; they do it all.
 

Although this tour was strictly in celebration of the last 20 years, they left their newest album out of it. Hot off the presses, Makes Me Sick is nothing short of the same old good music that the band has always put out. The album, produced by Aaron Sprinkle (MxPx, Anberlin, Acceptance) and mixed by Tom Lord-Alge(U2, The Rolling Stones, Blink 182), takes risks, introduces new sounds and proves that after 20 years, New Found Glory is here to stay.
 

On the release, guitarist Chad Gilbert says "We put more of ourselves into makes Makes Me Sick than

any other of our albums. Lyrically & musically. Going where no NFG record has gone before. It's our best. If you don't believe me, buy it and prove me wrong!"
 

Makes Me Sick is now available for physical and digital ordering at the following links:

Physical | iTunes | Spotify | Apple Music

 

If you missed out on the 20 Years Of Pop Punk tour, well you're not the brightest crayon in the box. This was a once in a lifetime kind of tour, and I am really happy I was able to experience it. With the anniversary tour over with, New Found Glory will bee taking a short break before hitting the road again in July.

If you missed them on one of the dates over the last two months, be sure to check them out on one of their upcoming date:

July 11 Richmond, VA The National

July 12 Wilmington, DE The Queen

July 13 Patchogue, NY Shorefront Park

July 14 Lancaster, PA Chameleon Club

July 15 Clifton Park, NY Upstate Concert Hall

July 17 Columbus, OH Newport Music Hall

July 18 Louisville, KY Mercury Ballroom

July 19 Memphis, TN Hi-Tone Café

July 20 Nashville, TN The Basement East

www.newfoundglory.com | www.hopelessrecords.com

Full Gallery: