New Found Glory stands as a cornerstone of the pop-punk movement, a band whose influence has reverberated through the scene for over two decades. With a career defined by infectious melodies, hardcore-influenced energy, and unflinchingly honest lyrics, they have not only achieved mainstream success but have also cultivated a dedicated global fanbase. Their sound, a blueprint for countless bands that followed, remains a celebrated staple at events like Emo Night Pittsburgh, where fans gather to celebrate the anthems that defined a generation. This biography details the chronological history, musical evolution, and lasting cultural impact of New Found Glory.
Formation and Early Era
The origins of New Found Glory are deeply rooted in the fertile South Florida music scene of the mid-1990s. The band’s story is one of friendship, shared ambition, and a DIY ethic that propelled them from a garage in Coral Springs to international stages.
Origins and Formation
New Found Glory was formed in mid-1997 by a group of friends with a shared passion for punk rock and hardcore music. The initial lineup consisted of vocalist Jordan Pundik, bassist Ian Grushka, guitarist Stephen Klein, and drummer Joe Moreno. Pundik and Klein, who worked together at a local Red Lobster, conceived of the band’s name, “A New Found Glory,” during a shift. Chad Gilbert, then the vocalist for the hardcore band Shai Hulud, was recruited as a second guitarist, completing the quintet. Gilbert’s background in hardcore would become a signature element of the band’s sound, infusing their pop-punk framework with heavier, mosh-friendly breakdowns. After a short period and a handful of shows, Joe Moreno was replaced by Cyrus Bolooki, solidifying the lineup that would carry the band to stardom for the next sixteen years.
Early Discography
The band wasted no time in making a name for themselves. They quickly recorded their debut EP, It’s All About the Girls, and released it on Fiddler Records in 1997. Driven by a relentless touring schedule up and down the East Coast in a van, they sold out the EP’s entire pressing and began to build a grassroots following. Their energetic and engaging live shows became a hallmark, creating a buzz that caught the attention of the independent label Eulogy Recordings. In 1999, New Found Glory released their first full-length album, Nothing Gold Can Stay. This album was a raw, energetic mission statement, featuring an early version of the song “Hit or Miss,” which would become their breakthrough single. The album’s blend of raw punk energy and pop sensibility was a perfect snapshot of the burgeoning pop-punk scene and laid the groundwork for their future success. It remains a fan favorite and a crucial document of the band’s formative years.
The Mainstream Breakthrough
The turn of the millennium marked a pivotal period for New Found Glory. As the pop-punk genre exploded into the mainstream consciousness, the band found themselves at the forefront of the movement, signing a major label deal and releasing a string of albums that would define their career and the sound of an era.
Pivotal Album(s) and Lineup Changes
After the regional success of Nothing Gold Can Stay, the band signed with Drive-Thru Records, a label that became synonymous with the emo and pop-punk boom of the early 2000s. Their major-label debut, the self-titled New Found Glory, was released in 2000 through a distribution deal with MCA Records. Produced by Neal Avron, the album refined their sound, polishing the raw edges of their debut while amplifying the infectious hooks. It featured a re-recorded, punchier version of “Hit or Miss,” which became their first official single and a staple on MTV. The album was a commercial success, eventually being certified Gold by the RIAA. This was followed by Sticks and Stones in 2002, an album that catapulted them to new heights. Propelled by the massive hit “My Friends Over You,” the album peaked at number four on the Billboard 200 chart and solidified their status as pop-punk royalty. Their 2004 album, Catalyst, continued this trajectory, debuting at number three and showcasing a heavier, more aggressive sound, incorporating elements of thrash and hardcore, particularly on the lead single “All Downhill from Here.” Throughout this period, the lineup of Pundik, Gilbert, Grushka, Klein, and Bolooki remained stable, a testament to their chemistry and shared vision.
Achieving Critical and Commercial Success
The success of these albums was immense. New Found Glory became a constant presence on radio, television, and the Vans Warped Tour, where they were a perennial headliner. Their music videos were in heavy rotation, and their songs were featured in movies and video games, embedding them into the cultural fabric of the time. They were praised for their ability to merge sincere, often-vulnerable lyrics about relationships and growing up with a powerful and aggressive musical attack. Critics and fans alike hailed them as pioneers of “easycore,” a subgenre that combines pop-punk melodies with hardcore-style breakdowns. Their influence was undeniable, paving the way for a wave of bands who adopted their sonic template. The band’s success demonstrated that there was a massive audience for music that was both emotionally resonant and intensely energetic, a formula that continues to inspire bands today.
Musical Evolution and Key Events
Following their mainstream peak, New Found Glory entered a period of artistic exploration and faced significant internal challenges. This era saw them experiment with their sound, navigate the changing musical landscape, and ultimately redefine their identity as a band.
Mid-career Albums and Sonic Shifts
In 2006, the band released Coming Home, an album that represented a significant departure from their established sound. It was a more melodic, mid-tempo record, drawing influences from classic rock and showcasing a more mature and introspective songwriting approach. While it was critically well-received and appreciated by many fans for its artistic growth, it marked a deliberate move away from the fast-paced pop-punk they were known for. With 2009’s Not Without a Fight, produced by Blink-182’s Mark Hoppus, the band made a triumphant return to their roots. The album was a blistering collection of high-energy pop-punk anthems, hailed by many as their best work in years. This was followed by Radiosurgery in 2011, which continued their revival of the classic NFG sound. These albums demonstrated the band’s versatility and their commitment to their core identity, even as they explored new creative avenues.
Hiatus, Reunions, or Significant Member Departures
The most significant event of this era occurred in late 2013, when the band announced the departure of founding member and primary lyricist, Steve Klein. The circumstances surrounding his exit were tumultuous, but the remaining members resolved to continue as a four-piece. This marked the first and only lineup change in the band’s most famous iteration. Rather than replacing Klein, Chad Gilbert took over all guitar duties and the band collectively shouldered the lyrical responsibilities. This transition period was a test of their resolve, but they emerged with a renewed sense of purpose and a determination to prove their longevity. There was no official hiatus; instead, the band channeled the turmoil into their music, leading to one of the most resilient and productive periods of their career.
Modern Era
As a quartet, New Found Glory has continued to thrive, releasing a steady stream of albums that both honor their legacy and push their sound forward. They have embraced their status as elder statesmen of the pop-punk scene while continuing to tour relentlessly and connect with new generations of fans.
Recent Albums and Contemporary Activity
Their first album as a four-piece, Resurrection, was released in 2014 and served as a powerful statement of intent. The album was aggressive, cathartic, and full of the classic NFG spirit. They followed it with Makes Me Sick in 2017 and their tenth studio album, Forever + Ever x Infinity, in 2020. In late 2021, the band released a Christmas album, December’s Here. This period has also seen the band face personal adversity, most notably Chad Gilbert’s multiple battles with cancer. His resilience in the face of serious health challenges has been an inspiration, and the band has rallied around him, pouring their experiences into their most recent acoustic album, Make the Most of It (2023). They continue to tour extensively, celebrating their 25-plus-year career with fans around the world and proving that their passion for music is undiminished.
Cultural Impact and Connection to the Scene
New Found Glory’s legacy extends far beyond their own discography. They are widely regarded as “godfathers of pop-punk,” having shaped the sound and ethos of the genre for the 21st century. Their ability to blend pop melodies with hardcore intensity created a new paradigm that countless bands have followed.
Influence on Their Primary Genres
Within the realms of pop-punk and emo, New Found Glory’s influence is immeasurable. They perfected a formula that combined the catchy, melodic sensibilities of bands like Blink-182 with the raw power of hardcore bands. This fusion, often labeled easycore or “melodic hardcore,” became a dominant sound in the alternative rock landscape of the 2000s. Bands like A Day to Remember, Four Year Strong, and The Story So Far all bear the sonic fingerprints of New Found Glory. Their impact is not just musical; their lyrical themes of friendship, heartbreak, and suburban angst resonated deeply with a generation of listeners, creating a powerful bond between the band and their audience.
Relevance in Nostalgia Events like Emo Night Pittsburgh
The enduring power of New Found Glory’s music is on full display at events like Pittsburgh Emo Night. These nights are a celebration of the music that provided the soundtrack to so many lives. When a classic NFG track like “My Friends Over You” or “Dressed to Kill” comes on, the reaction is electric. It’s a testament to the timelessness of their songwriting and the nostalgic power of their music. For many, New Found Glory is not just a band; they represent a specific time and feeling—a mixture of youthful energy, emotional vulnerability, and anthemic release. The continued popularity of their music at Emo Night Pittsburgh and similar events across the country ensures that their legacy will be passed down to new fans, solidifying their place in the pantheon of punk rock history.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Found Glory
- When did New Found Glory form?
- New Found Glory formed in Coral Springs, Florida, in the middle of 1997.
- What is New Found Glory’s most commercially successful album?
- Their 2002 album, Sticks and Stones, is one of their most successful. It was certified Platinum by the RIAA and featured the hit single “My Friends Over You.” Their 2004 album, Catalyst, also achieved Gold certification and peaked at number three on the Billboard 200.
- Who are the current members of New Found Glory?
- The current members are Jordan Pundik (lead vocals), Chad Gilbert (lead guitar, backing vocals), Ian Grushka (bass guitar), and Cyrus Bolooki (drums).
- What genre of music is New Found Glory?
- New Found Glory is primarily classified as pop-punk. Their music also incorporates elements of alternative rock, melodic hardcore, and emo. They are often credited as pioneers of the “easycore” subgenre.
- Why did guitarist Steve Klein leave the band?
- Rhythm guitarist and founding member Steve Klein was asked to leave the band in late 2013 due to personal and legal issues that the band stated were creating a divide between him and the other members. The band has continued as a four-piece since his departure.
- Is New Found Glory still active?
- Yes, New Found Glory is still very active. They continue to release new music, with their most recent studio album being Make the Most of It (2023), and they maintain a rigorous international touring schedule.
