A Day to Remember
A Day to Remember is an American rock band from Ocala, Florida, formed in 2003 by guitarist Tom Denney and drummer Bobby Scruggs.[1] The group is renowned for blending metalcore, pop-punk, and post-hardcore styles, creating an energetic sound that appeals to a broad audience across heavy and melodic rock genres.[2] Current members include lead vocalist Jeremy McKinnon, rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist Neil Westfall, lead guitarist Kevin Skaff, and drummer Alex Shelnutt, with past members such as Denney and bassist Josh Woodard contributing to early recordings before departing in 2009 and 2021, respectively.[3][2][4] The band's breakthrough came with their third studio album, Homesick (2009), which peaked at number 21 on the US Billboard 200 chart and featured gold-certified singles like "The Downfall of Us All" and "If It Means a Lot to You" from the RIAA.[5][6] Follow-up releases, including What Separates Me from You (2010), which debuted at number 11 on the Billboard 200 and later received gold certification, and Common Courtesy (2013), a self-released effort that topped the Billboard Independent Albums chart, established them as a staple in the rock scene.[1][7] Later albums such as Bad Vibrations (2016), You're Welcome (2021), and the surprise physical-first release Big Ole Album, Vol. 1 (2025), which reached the top 10 on the Billboard Top Album Sales chart, continued their commercial momentum.[5][8] A Day to Remember has achieved significant accolades, including two gold-certified albums, four gold singles, and one platinum single from the RIAA, with recent certifications for tracks like "Paranoia" in 2025.[9][10] The band has sold over five million albums worldwide and garnered more than 3.5 billion streams, while their high-energy live performances on tours like the Vans Warped Tour and headline arena shows have cemented their reputation as one of rock's premier live acts.[9][11]History
Formation and early years (2003–2006)
A Day to Remember was formed in 2003 in Ocala, Florida, initially as a pop-punk band by vocalist Jeremy McKinnon, guitarists Tom Denney and Neil Westfall, bassist Joshua Woodard, and drummer Bobby Scruggs.[12] The group drew from the local Ocala music scene, where members had previously played in other bands, fostering a DIY ethos from the outset.[12] The early years were marked by significant hurdles, including the rigors of grassroots touring across Florida's small venues following the departure of drummer Bobby Scruggs in 2006.[12] Shows in cramped "sweatbox" spaces often drew enthusiastic but overcrowded crowds, occasionally leading to shutdowns by authorities due to capacity issues.[11] Despite these obstacles, relentless self-promotion through regional performances built a dedicated local following, laying the groundwork for broader recognition.[11] In 2005, the band recorded and self-released their debut EP, And Their Name Was Treason, through the independent Indianola Records label on May 10.[13] The ten-track effort captured their raw energy, blending aggressive riffs with melodic elements, and sold modestly through grassroots efforts, exceeding 8,000 copies independently.[13] During this period, local gigs exposed them to heavier influences, prompting a shift from pure pop-punk roots toward metalcore breakdowns while retaining catchy choruses.[14]Victory Records signing and For Those Who Have Heart (2006–2008)
In 2006, after building a local following in Florida with their self-released debut album And Their Name Was Treason, A Day to Remember attracted attention from Victory Records through demo submissions that showcased their blend of metalcore aggression and pop-punk catchiness. The label, known for its roster of hardcore and punk acts, signed the band that year, providing them with resources to expand beyond regional shows and professionalize their sound. This deal marked a pivotal breakthrough, transitioning the group from independent DIY efforts to a structured major label push in the competitive metalcore landscape.[15] The band's first full-length for Victory, For Those Who Have Heart, was recorded in late 2006 and early 2007 at The Shed in Ocala, Florida, with production handled by Eric Arena, who emphasized the album's raw energy and dual-vocal dynamics between singer Jeremy McKinnon and guitarist Tom Denney. Released on January 23, 2007, the 12-track record solidified their easycore style, featuring breakdowns alongside anthemic choruses on songs like "The Plot to Bomb the Panhandle" and "Deadend." It debuted to positive reception in underground circles, peaking at No. 17 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart and No. 43 on the Independent Albums chart, reflecting modest but promising sales of around 5,000 copies in its first week driven by grassroots promotion.[16][15][17] To promote the album, A Day to Remember embarked on their first extensive national tours in 2007, supporting acts like Silverstein and appearing on bills with fellow metalcore bands such as Blessthefall and The Acacia Strain, which helped expose them to larger audiences across the U.S. In 2008, they achieved a significant milestone by joining the Vans Warped Tour for multiple dates, performing high-energy sets that included tracks from the album and covers like Kelly Clarkson's "Since U Been Gone" to engage crowds. Their debut UK tour that January further internationalized their reach, earning a nomination for Best International Newcomer at the Kerrang! Awards, though they lost to Lostprophets.[15][18] Parallel to these efforts, the band's early fanbase expanded rapidly through MySpace, where they shared demos, full tracks from For Those Who Have Heart, and tour updates, amassing thousands of friends and plays in metalcore communities during the platform's peak popularity from 2006 to 2008. This digital word-of-mouth, combined with scene buzz in forums and local venues, fostered a dedicated following that viewed the band as fresh voices bridging heavy and melodic influences, setting the stage for sustained growth in the post-hardcore scene.[15][19]Homesick and lineup changes (2008–2010)
In late 2008, A Day to Remember entered the studio to record their third album, Homesick, reuniting with producer-engineer Andrew Wade and collaborating with Chad Gilbert of New Found Glory, alongside contributions from Killswitch Engage's Adam Dutkiewicz on mixing.[20] The sessions emphasized the band's signature blend of melodic pop-punk hooks and aggressive metalcore breakdowns, capturing themes of homesickness, touring life, and personal reflection. Released on February 3, 2009, through Victory Records, Homesick marked a pivotal shift, debuting at No. 21 on the Billboard 200 chart with 22,000 copies sold in its first week and topping the Independent Albums chart.[21][1][22] The album's lead single, "The Downfall of Us All," premiered its music video on MTV2 on March 3, 2009, gaining significant rotation and exposing the band to a broader rock audience beyond underground scenes.[23] Follow-up videos for tracks like "I'm Made of Wax, Larry, What Are You Made Of?" further amplified this visibility, with the song's anthemic chorus and heavy riffs resonating on platforms like Scuzz TV and Kerrang!. Homesick's dual-genre appeal—pop-punk accessibility paired with metalcore intensity—propelled mainstream recognition, bridging fanbases from New Found Glory enthusiasts to those of heavier acts like Killswitch Engage, and establishing the band as innovators in the post-hardcore landscape.[24] Amid rising success, guitarist Tom Denney departed the band in June 2009 due to a wrist injury that hindered his ability to perform live, though he continued contributing to songwriting.[25][26] Kevin Skaff, who had filled in during earlier tours, was announced as his permanent replacement on rhythm guitar, bringing fresh energy from his prior work with Four Letter Lie. This lineup change occurred as the band ramped up touring, including headlining the U.S. "Pulling Your Pud" tour with support from acts like In Fear and Faith and I See Stars, as well as appearances on the 2009 Vans Warped Tour.[27] They also supported Bring Me the Horizon on select UK dates, solidifying their growing international presence amid the album's momentum.[28]What Separates Me from You and Victory lawsuit (2010–2012)
In the wake of their breakthrough album Homesick, which solidified A Day to Remember's growing fanbase and commercial momentum, the band entered a period marked by both artistic output and escalating contractual strife with Victory Records. Their third studio album, What Separates Me from You, was produced by Andrew Wade and the band themselves at Wade's Ocala, Florida studio, emphasizing a blend of pop-punk hooks and metalcore intensity. Released on November 15, 2010, via Victory Records, the album debuted at No. 11 on the Billboard 200, selling 58,000 copies in its first week and topping both the Top Hard Rock Albums and Top Independent Albums charts.[1] The album's lead single, "All I Want," became a breakout hit, achieving No. 1 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart and receiving extensive radio airplay across rock and alternative stations. The follow-up single, "All Signs Point to Lauderdale," released on June 7, 2011, also enjoyed heavy rotation and was ranked as the No. 10 best rock song of 2011 by AOL Radio, further amplifying the band's visibility. These tracks not only drove album sales but also showcased the band's ability to merge aggressive breakdowns with anthemic choruses, resonating with a broadening audience.[29] Tensions with Victory Records boiled over in May 2011 when A Day to Remember filed a lawsuit against the label in U.S. District Court, alleging breach of contract, failure to pay royalties exceeding $75,000, and unfair withholding of merchandising and digital revenue rights. Victory countersued, claiming the band had not fulfilled their five-album deal and owed two more records, leading to protracted court battles that temporarily stalled new music releases. A partial resolution came in October 2013 via a federal court ruling, which permitted the band to self-release their next album without the label's approval, though the full dispute over royalties persisted.[30][31] Amid the legal turmoil, A Day to Remember maintained rigorous touring schedules, headlining the 2011 Gamechangers Tour across North America and performing on the entire 2011 Vans Warped Tour, alongside numerous festival appearances and support slots in 2012. These efforts, including over 150 shows in 2011 alone, fortified their grassroots fan loyalty and live reputation, turning potential setbacks into opportunities for direct audience connection.[32][33]Common Courtesy and independent release (2012–2014)
Following the ongoing legal dispute with Victory Records that had stalled their career since 2011, A Day to Remember completed recording sessions for their fifth studio album, Common Courtesy, in early 2013 without any label support or resources. The band self-funded the entire production process, working primarily at vocalist Jeremy McKinnon's home studio to craft 13 tracks blending their signature pop-punk energy with heavier metalcore elements and introspective lyrics addressing personal growth and industry frustrations.[34] This independent approach allowed creative freedom amid the turmoil but highlighted the financial and logistical challenges of operating without a traditional label infrastructure. On October 4, 2013, a federal judge in Illinois ruled in the band's favor on a key aspect of the lawsuit, denying Victory Records' request for an injunction and granting A Day to Remember the right to self-release Common Courtesy without the label's consent or involvement. The digital version of the album launched immediately on October 8 via the band's official website, marking their first fully independent full-length effort and a direct appeal to fans through online sales and streaming platforms. A physical edition followed on November 25 through their own ADTR Records imprint, featuring three bonus tracks—"Life @ 11," "The Danger in Starting a Fire," and "Violence (Enough Is Enough)"—exclusively for that format. The release strategy paid off commercially, with the album debuting at No. 11 on the Billboard 200 chart after selling 92,000 copies in its first full tracking week, demonstrating strong fan loyalty despite the lack of major label promotion.[35][36] The lawsuit with Victory Records persisted into 2014, but the 2013 court decision provided crucial momentum, enabling the band to retain full ownership and creative control over Common Courtesy and future projects. To promote the album, A Day to Remember leaned heavily on grassroots efforts and live performances, including their fall 2013 House Party Tour, which featured intimate club shows across North America to reconnect directly with supporters. In March 2014, they launched the inaugural Self Help Festival at the NOS Events Center in San Bernardino, California, headlining a lineup of 15 acts they curated themselves, emphasizing themes of mental health and personal empowerment that resonated with the album's message. These initiatives underscored the band's shift toward fan-centric independence, fostering a deeper community bond in the post-lawsuit era.[37][38]Bad Vibrations and touring peak (2015–2018)
Following the independent success of their previous album Common Courtesy, A Day to Remember recorded their sixth studio album, Bad Vibrations, in 2015 and partnered with Epitaph Records for its distribution through their own imprint, ADTR Records.[39] The album was released on September 2, 2016, debuting at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart with 67,000 equivalent album units in its first week, marking the band's highest chart position to date. Produced by Bill Stevenson and Jason Livermore, with additional production from Andrew Wade and mixing by Andy Wallace, Bad Vibrations explored themes of personal struggles, including stress, anxiety, paranoia, and self-doubt, as reflected in tracks like "Paranoia" and "Exposed."[39] The album received critical acclaim for its successful blending of metalcore aggression with pop-punk melodies, showcasing heavier riffs and breakdowns alongside anthemic choruses that highlighted the band's genre-fusing style. Reviewers praised its emotional depth and production quality, noting how it captured the band's evolution while maintaining accessibility for their diverse fanbase.[40] This release further solidified A Day to Remember's position as a leading act in the rock scene, expanding their audience through its commercial performance and lyrical introspection on mental health challenges.[41] In support of Bad Vibrations, the band embarked on an extensive touring schedule that represented the peak of their live performances during this period, including co-headlining tours across North America, Europe, Australia, and the UK.[42] A notable highlight was their spring 2016 co-headline run with Parkway Drive and State Champs, which drew large crowds and emphasized their high-energy stage presence.[43] The subsequent Bad Vibes World Tour in late 2016 and early 2017 featured support from acts like Of Mice & Men and Wage War, spanning continents with arena shows and culminating in sold-out UK dates alongside New Found Glory, Neck Deep, and Moose Blood. International festival appearances further amplified their global reach, including a main stage slot at the UK's Download Festival in June 2017.[44] The band's Self Help Festival also reached new heights in 2017, expanding from its annual format to four U.S. cities—Philadelphia, Detroit, Orlando, and San Bernardino—with rotating lineups featuring co-headliners like Rise Against and Underoath, alongside up-and-coming acts such as Knocked Loose and Movements. This growth underscored A Day to Remember's role as festival curators and community builders, attracting tens of thousands of attendees and reinforcing their status as a premier live draw through dynamic sets that mixed new material from Bad Vibrations with fan-favorite classics.[45]You're Welcome and Woodard's departure (2019–2021)
In late 2019 and early 2020, A Day to Remember focused on completing their seventh studio album amid growing anticipation from fans, following a five-year gap since Bad Vibrations. The band announced You're Welcome on November 18, 2020, with a release date set for March 5, 2021, marking their debut on Fueled by Ramen after years of independent releases.[46] The album was produced by Jeremy McKinnon and Drew Fulk, blending the band's signature pop-punk and metalcore elements with modern influences, including electronic and acoustic touches across its 14 tracks.[47] The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted the band's plans, leading to the cancellation of multiple tours in 2020. Their UK and European headline tour, originally scheduled for spring 2020 with support from grandson, was postponed and ultimately cancelled due to lockdown restrictions.[48] Similarly, a North American run supporting Slipknot on the Knotfest Roadshow, set for May and June 2020 alongside Underoath and Code Orange, was scrapped as part of broader industry shutdowns.[49] These cancellations halted live performances, forcing the band to pivot to remote activities, though no major virtual concerts were produced during the height of the pandemic. Upon release, You're Welcome reflected an optimistic shift for the band, inspired by their 2013 legal victory over Victory Records, which freed them from past contractual constraints and allowed creative autonomy.[47] Vocalist Jeremy McKinnon described the process as one of genuine excitement and inspiration, emphasizing relatable lyrics about personal growth, resentment, and human connections without the pressure of commercial expectations.[46] The album featured collaborations such as Jon Bellion on the pop-rock track "Everything We Need," highlighting memorable songwriting sessions that captured the band's evolving sound.[47] Singles like "Degenerates," "Resentment," "Mindreader," and "Brick Wall" were released in advance, showcasing a mix of high-energy anthems and introspective moments. You're Welcome achieved strong commercial performance, debuting at No. 15 on the Billboard 200 with 24,000 equivalent album units in its first week, while reaching No. 2 on the Top Rock Albums chart.[50] It also peaked at No. 3 on the Top Album Sales chart, driven largely by physical sales of 16,000 copies.[51] Later in 2021, the band's lineup underwent a significant change when founding bassist Josh Woodard departed on October 13. Woodard, who had been with the group since 2003, stepped down amid resurfaced allegations of sexual misconduct from 2020, as well as reports revealing his involvement in a fatal 2017 car crash, stating he needed to address the situation to protect the band's integrity.[4][52] No immediate permanent replacement was announced, and the band continued touring with backing tracks for bass parts in subsequent shows.[53]Recent activities and Big Ole Album Vol. 1 (2022–present)
Following the release of their 2021 album You're Welcome, A Day to Remember resumed live performances in 2022 after pandemic-related disruptions, announcing two North American headline tours to mark their return. The summer outing, kicking off in July, featured support from The Ghost Inside, Beartooth, and Bad Omens across amphitheaters and arenas. A fall tour followed in September, with Motionless in White, Ice Nine Kills, and From Ashes to New as opening acts. Additionally, the band joined Bring Me the Horizon as special guests on a European arena run in October, performing in cities including London, Paris, and Berlin. These tours highlighted the band's post-pandemic momentum, drawing large crowds and emphasizing their blend of pop-punk energy and metalcore intensity. In July 2022, A Day to Remember released the standalone single "Miracle," their first new music since You're Welcome, produced by frontman Jeremy McKinnon and Andrew Wade. The track showcased crunchy riffs and melodic hooks, signaling ongoing creative activity amid touring. The band maintained a steady schedule of North American shows throughout 2023, including festival appearances and co-headlining dates, while operating independently through partnerships that allowed creative control. Activity intensified in 2024 with the release of the single "Feedback" on May 31, produced by McKinnon, Zakk Cervini, and Andrew Wade. The aggressive, riff-driven track arrived alongside the announcement of "The Least Anticipated Album Tour," a summer amphitheater run from June to July featuring The Story So Far and Four Year Strong, with rotating openers like Militarie Gun and Scowl. The tour, spanning over 30 dates, celebrated the band's catalog without a new full-length album. In the fall, they extended momentum with the "A Couple More Shows Tour," supported by August Burns Red and Stand Atlantic, focusing on select U.S. markets. On February 18, 2025, A Day to Remember surprise-released Big Ole Album Vol. 1 in physical formats (vinyl and CD) via Fueled by Ramen, followed by a digital streaming debut on March 21. The album debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard Top Album Sales chart.[8] The 12-track project, described as a bold, genre-blending collection flipping the script on expectations, incorporated the 2022 single "Miracle" and 2024's "Feedback" alongside new songs like "All My Friends" and "Make It Make Sense." Produced by McKinnon and Cervini, it marked their eighth studio album and first major release since 2021, emphasizing heavy breakdowns, anthemic choruses, and experimental elements. No further full-length album has been confirmed as of November 2025, though the band teased additional material during live performances. The band continued extensive touring into 2025, including a European headline run in May with stops in Liège, Tilburg, and Paris. Their "Maximum Fun Tour" co-headlined with Yellowcard launched in September, featuring State Champs, The Wonder Years, Boundaries, and Dinosaur Pile-Up across 36 North American dates through November, concluding in Corpus Christi, Texas. Under Fueled by Ramen while retaining operational independence through ADTR Records for merchandise and select ventures, the group has sustained fan engagement via social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where posts about tours and releases regularly garner millions of interactions.Musical style
Genres and characteristics
A Day to Remember's music is primarily classified within the metalcore genre, blended with elements of pop-punk and post-hardcore, creating a fusion that emphasizes accessibility alongside aggression.[54][1] This combination draws from hardcore's intensity and pop-punk's melodic hooks, positioning the band as a bridge between heavier and lighter rock styles.[55] Their sound has been instrumental in popularizing the "easycore" subgenre, characterized by pop-punk's upbeat, sing-along choruses integrated with metalcore's heavier breakdowns, making complex heaviness more approachable for broader audiences.[55][24] Signature characteristics include heavy guitar riffs and breakdowns that drive the aggressive sections, contrasted by anthemic, clean-vocal choruses designed for crowd participation.[24][56] The band's vocal duality—featuring Jeremy McKinnon's screamed verses and melodic, emotive singing—heightens this dynamic tension, often accompanied by gang vocals in hooks to amplify the communal energy.[55][57] Lyrically, their songs explore emotional themes of relationships, heartbreak, and personal perseverance, reflecting adolescent struggles like hometown anxieties and growing up in a punk-hardcore scene.[24][58] In later works, A Day to Remember incorporated electronic elements, such as synth-led intros and pop-infused production, to modernize their sound while retaining core heaviness, as seen in collaborations and album tracks that blend synth-pop vibes with metalcore structures.[59][60] This evolution subtly enhances their anthemic quality without overshadowing the foundational genre fusions.Evolution across albums
A Day to Remember's early albums marked a shift from their raw metalcore roots toward a heavier pop-punk integration. Their 2005 debut, And Their Name Was Treason, leaned heavily into aggressive metalcore with straightforward breakdowns, but by 2007's For Those Who Have Heart, the band began blending those elements with pop-punk's melodic structures, creating a dual-personality sound that alternated between blistering heaviness and catchy, anthemic hooks.[16] In the mid-period from 2009 to 2013, the band refined this hybrid approach, emphasizing balanced dual vocals—screamed verses giving way to clean, soaring choruses—and radio-friendly hooks that broadened their appeal. Homesick (2009) solidified this evolution, fusing pop-punk energy with metalcore intensity in a way that influenced both genres, producing tracks that alternated aggressive riffs with accessible melodies.[24] What Separates Me from You (2010) further leaned into pop-punk accessibility while retaining metalcore aggression, with polished production highlighting memorable, hook-driven songs.[61] This culminated in Common Courtesy (2013), where the band refined their songwriting to maximize melodic injection into metalcore, maintaining genre boundaries while enhancing emotional depth through layered vocals and dynamic shifts.[62] Later works from 2016 to 2025 saw A Day to Remember incorporating nu-metal influences and experimental production techniques, pushing toward more diverse sonic palettes. Bad Vibrations (2016) returned to a rawer, hardcore-leaning edge amid personal and legal tensions, featuring frustrated, tension-filled tracks with heavier riffs and less glossy anthems compared to prior releases.[63] You're Welcome (2021) represented their most experimental effort, blending nu-metal grooves, hip-hop-inspired beats, and unconventional structures while preserving core pop-punk/metalcore elements, though it divided fans with its slick, boundary-pushing production.[64] Their 2025 release, Big Ole Album, Vol. 1, marked a return to their classic pop-punk and metalcore fusion, re-embracing upbeat, anthemic hooks with heavier, darker riffs influenced by bands like Gojira, while maintaining emotional songwriting depth.[65] Throughout their discography, A Day to Remember trended toward broader commercial appeal by amplifying melodic and accessible components, yet consistently retained an aggressive edge that anchored their identity in pop-punk and metalcore fusion.[54]Influences
A Day to Remember's music draws heavily from the pop-punk genre, particularly the melodic and energetic styles of bands like New Found Glory and Blink-182, which informed their catchy choruses and upbeat rhythms.[24] These influences are evident in the band's early work, where they blended accessible, anthemic hooks with more aggressive elements to create a hybrid sound.[24] On the metalcore side, the band was shaped by the intensity and breakdowns of acts like Killswitch Engage, with whom they collaborated closely—most notably when Killswitch Engage guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz mixed their 2009 album Homesick, imparting a polished yet heavy production style.[24] Unearth's technical riffs and relentless energy also contributed to the band's heavier breakdowns and guitar work, reflecting the broader New Wave of American Heavy Metal scene that influenced their formation.[66] Vocalist Jeremy McKinnon's songwriting and vocal approach were additionally impacted by the dynamic range and emotional delivery of Thrice and the rock versatility of Foo Fighters, elements he has cited as key to developing his clean and screamed vocals.[67] The band's roots in Florida's hardcore and metalcore scenes played a pivotal role, with local acts like Evergreen Terrace and UnderOath inspiring their early performances and DIY ethos—McKinnon recalls attending small shows by these bands in gym floors and warehouses during his youth in Ocala.[68] This regional environment, including tours by bands like Poison the Well and Remembering Never, fostered a gritty, community-driven intensity that permeated their music.[37] Over time, these influences have evolved through collaborations, such as Blink-182's Mark Hoppus guesting on a 2022 version of the track "Re-Entry," highlighting the ongoing pop-punk ties that continue to shape their sound.[69]Tours and festivals
Self Help Fest
Self Help Fest is an annual music festival curated and headlined by A Day to Remember, designed to promote positive messages, self-love, and mental health awareness within the punk, metalcore, and alternative rock scenes. Launched in 2014, the event provides a platform for bands that emphasize uplifting themes and community support, often described as an "adult Warped Tour" with a focus on personal growth and emotional well-being.[70][71] The inaugural Self Help Fest occurred on March 22, 2014, as a one-day event at the NOS Events Center in San Bernardino, California, featuring a diverse lineup of 16 acts curated by the band, including Bring Me the Horizon, Of Mice & Men, The Wonder Years, and Man Overboard.[72] By 2015, the festival continued to build momentum with performances from groups like Sleeping with Sirens, Pierce the Veil, The Devil Wears Prada, and Neck Deep, reinforcing its commitment to showcasing artists with motivational lyrics and energetic live shows.[73][74] As the festival evolved, it expanded beyond a single location to multiple stops across the U.S. in 2017, featuring four one-day events in Philadelphia, Detroit, Orlando, and San Bernardino. That year's lineups highlighted punk and metal acts such as Underoath, Rise Against, Falling in Reverse, Moose Blood, Silverstein, Real Friends, and Wage War, drawing thousands of attendees to celebrate resilience and positivity through music.[71][75] The format emphasized fan interaction, including VIP meet-and-greets, merchandise collaborations, and an official app for customizing schedules and discovering sets, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment.[76] Self Help Fest's significance lies in its role as a dedicated space for mental health advocacy, rallying fans and artists around themes of self-improvement without direct ties to specific fundraising metrics in public records. The event paused after its 2019 iterations in Massachusetts and California, amid the global COVID-19 pandemic, and has not resumed as a recurring festival since.[77][78]Major headlining and supporting tours
A Day to Remember's early touring efforts helped establish their presence in the pop-punk and metalcore scenes, beginning with their debut on the Vans Warped Tour in 2008, where they performed on the Collapse Stage across numerous U.S. dates from late June to mid-August, sharing stages with acts like Mayday Parade on select stops, including a multi-band bill at Invesco Field in Denver on August 3.[79][80] These appearances marked a pivotal milestone, exposing the band to large festival crowds and fostering intense fan interaction characterized by high-energy mosh pits and sing-alongs that became hallmarks of their live shows.[81] During their peak touring years, the band escalated to major headlining runs, including the 2010 Toursick tour, a North American outing with support from Silverstein, August Burns Red, Enter Shikari, and others on select dates, which ran from March to April and showcased evolving setlists blending tracks from Homesick and their then-upcoming What Separates Me from You.[82] This period solidified their reputation for dynamic performances, with crowds responding to the band's mix of heavy breakdowns and anthemic choruses through vigorous participation. By 2016, the Bad Vibes World Tour represented a career high, encompassing over 50 dates across North America, Europe, Australia, and the UK, featuring opening acts like New Found Glory and Neck Deep on European legs, and drawing massive attendance with setlists heavy on new material from Bad Vibrations alongside fan favorites.[83][84] Notable moments included rowdy crowd surges in venues like London's O2 Academy Brixton, where the band's call-and-response style amplified the communal energy.[85] The band's international reach expanded notably in 2014 with the All Signs Point to Britain tour, a nine-date UK and European run including arena shows at Cardiff's Motorpoint Arena and London's Alexandra Palace, supported by Every Time I Die, The Story So Far, and Mallory Knox on UK dates, highlighting their growing overseas draw through sold-out crowds and adapted setlists incorporating regional favorites.[86][87] In 2019, the band performed at the Good Things Festival across Australian cities including Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, highlighting their international appeal through festival sets that balanced aggression with melody to engage diverse audiences.[88] Post-pandemic, A Day to Remember resumed rigorous touring with the 2022 Right Back at It Again tour, an extensive North American summer and fall run spanning dozens of dates with support from The Used, The Ghost Inside, and others, marking a triumphant return with enhanced production and setlists that evolved to include deeper cuts alongside staples, amid enthusiastic crowd responses that underscored their enduring appeal.[89] In 2024, they celebrated milestones through anniversary-themed shows as part of their Couple More Shows tour, including North American headline dates with August Burns Red and Stand Atlantic, where setlists paid homage to early material like tracks from Homesick, fostering nostalgic yet energetic atmospheres in arenas like Penn State's Bryce Jordan Center.[90][91] In 2025, the band launched the Maximum Fun Tour, a North American headlining run from September 5 to November 22 featuring co-headliner Yellowcard and supporting acts State Champs, The Wonder Years, Boundaries, and Dinosaur Pile-Up on select dates.[92] These efforts complemented their Self Help Fest, providing additional platforms for fan connection beyond the festival format. Throughout their career, the band's tours have been defined by evolving setlists—shifting from raw, album-focused selections in early years to polished, crowd-curated medleys—and consistent reports of electric crowd energy, often described as one of the most participatory in rock.[11]Band members
Current members
The current lineup of A Day to Remember features vocalist Jeremy McKinnon, who founded the band in 2003 and serves as the primary songwriter, crafting the majority of the group's lyrics and musical structures across their discography.[93][11] McKinnon's contributions extend to co-production on several albums, including You're Welcome (2021) and Bad Vibrations (2016), where he shaped the band's blend of post-hardcore intensity and pop-punk accessibility. Rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist Neil Westfall, another founding member from 2003, provides the rhythmic foundation and harmonic support that defines the band's dual-guitar attack.[94][95] His longstanding role has been integral to live performances and recordings, contributing to the band's signature anthemic choruses since their debut album And Their Name Was Treason.[96] Lead guitarist and backing vocalist Kevin Skaff joined in 2009, bringing technical precision to the band's heavier riffs and melodic leads.[97] Skaff has also taken on production duties, co-producing Bad Vibrations alongside McKinnon and influencing the album's experimental edge with electronic elements and dynamic shifts.[98] Drummer Alex Shelnutt has anchored the rhythm section since 2006, when he joined at age 15 just before a major tour, delivering the propulsive beats that drive the band's high-energy sets.[99] His style, characterized by rapid fills and steady grooves, has evolved to support the group's shift toward more polished production on recent releases like Big Ole Album Vol. 1 (2025).[100] Bassist Bobby Lynge became the band's official low-end player in 2024, transitioning from his role as a touring member during that year's shows to contribute to live renditions of classics and new material.[101] Lynge, known from Fit for a King, adds a metalcore-infused tightness to the lineup, as evidenced in performances on the 2025 Maximum Fun Tour.[102]Former members
Tom Denney served as the band's lead guitarist from its formation in 2003 until 2009. He departed amicably after sustaining a broken wrist during touring, which caused him to miss several shows, and expressed a desire to prioritize his marriage, family, and work at his recording studio rather than continue extensive touring. Following his exit, Denney remained involved in A Day to Remember's creative process, co-writing and producing tracks on albums such as What Separates Me from You (2010) and Common Courtesy (2013).[103] Joshua Woodard joined as founding bassist in 2003 and remained with the band until October 2021. His departure came after allegations of sexual assault and misconduct from 2020 resurfaced online, prompting him to step away to address the situation; Woodard denied the claims, describing them as false. Prior to leaving, Woodard was involved in a 2017 car crash that resulted in a fatality, though no charges were filed against him at the time. Post-departure, he has kept a low profile and not publicly announced new musical projects.[104][105][106] The band's early lineup included founding drummer Bobby Scruggs, who played from 2003 to 2005 before leaving amid the group's initial development phase; he was replaced by Alex Shelnutt. Scruggs has since maintained a private life outside of music, with no notable post-band endeavors documented. Various drummers filled in sporadically before Shelnutt's permanent role.Discography
Studio albums
A Day to Remember's debut release on Victory Records, their second studio album, For Those Who Have Heart, was released on January 22, 2007, by Victory Records. It peaked at No. 17 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart and No. 43 on the Independent Albums chart. The album has sold over 250,000 copies in the United States. It features 10 tracks: "Fast Forward to 2012," "Speak of the Devil," "The Danger in Starting a Fire," "The Plot to Bomb the Panhandle," "Monument," "The Price We Pay," "Colder Than My Heart, If You Can Imagine," "NJ Legion Iced Tea," "Mr. Highway's Dead End," and "The 15th of July."[17][107][108] The band's third studio album, Homesick, arrived on February 3, 2009, also via Victory Records, debuting at No. 21 on the Billboard 200 and topping the Independent Albums chart. Key singles included "The Downfall of Us All," "My Life for Hire," and "If It Means a Lot to You." It earned RIAA Gold certification in the United States in 2016 for 500,000 units sold or streamed, and BPI Silver certification in the United Kingdom in 2015.[109][110] What Separates Me from You, released November 15, 2010, on Victory Records, marked the band's highest chart debut at the time, reaching No. 11 on the Billboard 200 with 58,000 first-week sales. The album received RIAA Gold certification in 2016 and supported extensive touring, including the band's first arena shows.[1][111] In 2013, Common Courtesy was self-released digitally by the band amid a label dispute, before a physical edition via Self Help Records. It topped the Billboard Independent Albums chart and peaked at No. 37 on the Billboard 200, with over 500,000 units in total consumption.[112][113][114] Bad Vibrations, issued September 2, 2016, on ADTR Records in partnership with Epitaph, debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, the band's career high at that point, and received an 81 Metascore from critics based on four reviews.[115] You're Welcome, the seventh studio album, was surprise-released on March 5, 2021, through Fueled by Ramen, peaking at No. 3 on the Top Rock Albums chart and Top Hard Rock Albums chart.[109][51] The band's eighth studio effort, Big Ole Album Vol. 1, followed as a surprise physical-only release on February 21, 2025, via Fueled by Ramen, with digital availability on March 21, 2025; at 11 tracks and 39 minutes, it adopts an EP-style format as a non-traditional full-length album.[116]Extended plays and compilations
A Day to Remember began their recording career with a series of extended plays that showcased their early blend of post-hardcore intensity and pop-punk accessibility, often self-released or issued through independent labels before signing with Victory Records. These EPs served as foundational releases, allowing the band to refine their sound through limited distribution at live shows and subsequent re-recordings. Their debut self-titled EP, released in January 2005, was a limited run of 1,000 copies sold exclusively at performances, featuring six tracks that represented initial demos and mixes of material from their formative period.[117] These songs, including early versions of "Intro," "1958," and "Heartless," highlighted the band's raw energy and were later refined for broader release.[117] Just months later, on May 10, 2005, the band issued And Their Name Was Treason through Indianola Records, expanding to ten tracks over approximately 30 minutes and marking their first widely available EP.[118] This release built on the self-titled EP's foundation, incorporating heavier breakdowns alongside melodic choruses, and sold over 8,000 copies through grassroots promotion without major label support.[119] In October 2008, following their signing to Victory Records, A Day to Remember released Old Record, a re-recorded and remastered iteration of And Their Name Was Treason with a rearranged tracklist and enhanced production.[120] Spanning ten tracks, it included updates to songs like "Heart Less" and "If Looks Could Kill," providing a polished retrospective of their early work while bridging to their evolving metalcore influences.[121] The band's fourth EP, Attack of the Killer B-Sides, arrived on May 25, 2010, via Victory Records, compiling four concise tracks that mixed originals with covers to fill the gap between full-length albums.[122] Featuring "Right Where You Want Me to Be" and an acoustic rendition of "Another Song About the Weekend" alongside covers of Kelly Clarkson's "Since U Been Gone" and The Fray's "Over My Head (Cable Car)," it demonstrated their versatility and peaked on the Billboard Heatseekers chart, underscoring their growing fanbase.[123] Beyond EPs, A Day to Remember has issued select compilations and singles in non-LP formats, often acoustic or thematic, to complement their core discography. In 2011, they released "All I Want (Acoustic)" as a standalone single, stripping down the track from What Separates Me from You for a more introspective arrangement available on digital platforms and vinyl B-sides.[124] Similarly, holiday-oriented releases like the single "Right Where You Want Me to Be," first issued on December 16, 2009, via Victory Records, have become seasonal staples, evoking nostalgic pop-punk vibes with its festive undertones and annual re-promotion in live sets.[125] These efforts, including limited reissues of earlier EPs on colored vinyl for events like Record Store Day, highlight the band's approach to engaging fans through archival and variant content without overshadowing their studio albums.[126]Awards and nominations
Awards won
A Day to Remember has garnered recognition for their contributions to the rock and metalcore genres through several notable awards. At the 2015 Alternative Press Music Awards, the band won Best Live Band, highlighting their energetic performances and dedicated fanbase.[127] The following year, in 2016, they received the Best International Band award at the Kerrang! Awards, acknowledging their global impact and popularity in the UK rock scene.[128] In 2017, the band was presented with the keys to their hometown of Ocala, Florida, in a ceremonial honor celebrating their roots and achievements as local artists who rose to international prominence.[129]Nominations received
A Day to Remember has received several nominations from prominent music awards bodies throughout their career, though none resulted in victories in these instances. In 2014, they received a nomination in the Best Video category at the Kerrang! Awards for the music video of "Right Back at It Again," which went to 30 Seconds to Mars' "City of Angels."[130][131] At the 2014 Alternative Press Music Awards, the band was nominated for Artist of the Year, Album of the Year for Common Courtesy, and Best Live Band.[132] The following year, in 2015, A Day to Remember earned a nomination for Best Live Band at the Kerrang! Awards, with Black Veil Brides taking the honor.[133][134] At the 2017 Alternative Press Music Awards, the band was nominated for Artist of the Year, a category won by Panic! at the Disco.[135][136] They also received a nod for Song of the Year for "Paranoia" from their album Bad Vibrations, but Andy Black's "We Don't Have to Dance" prevailed.[137][138] In 2022, A Day to Remember was nominated for Best International Artist at the Heavy Music Awards, an accolade awarded to Beartooth.[139][140]| Year | Awarding Body | Category | Nominated Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Kerrang! Awards | Best Video | "Right Back at It Again" | Nominated |
| 2014 | Alternative Press Music Awards | Artist of the Year | A Day to Remember | Nominated |
| 2014 | Alternative Press Music Awards | Album of the Year | Common Courtesy | Nominated |
| 2014 | Alternative Press Music Awards | Best Live Band | A Day to Remember | Nominated |
| 2015 | Kerrang! Awards | Best Live Band | A Day to Remember | Nominated |
| 2017 | Alternative Press Music Awards | Artist of the Year | A Day to Remember | Nominated |
| 2017 | Alternative Press Music Awards | Song of the Year | "Paranoia" | Nominated |
| 2022 | Heavy Music Awards | Best International Artist | A Day to Remember | Nominated |