A Day To Remember

Band History

A Day to Remember (ADTR) is an American rock band originating from Ocala, Florida. Formed in 2003, the band has been active in the music scene for over two decades, releasing multiple studio albums and participating in numerous tours and music festivals. ADTR is recognized for their combination of metalcore and pop-punk elements, contributing to their distinctive sound within the alternative rock genre.

Formation and Early Years (2003–2006)

A Day to Remember was established in Ocala, Florida, in 2003 by guitarist Tom Denney and drummer Bobby Scruggs. The founding lineup included vocalist Jeremy McKinnon, rhythm guitarist Neil Westfall, bassist Joshua Woodard, guitarist Tom Denney, and drummer Bobby Scruggs. In their inaugural year, the band performed seven shows, focusing on developing their musical style and building a local audience.

In 2004, ADTR self-released an extended play (EP) titled Halos for Heros, Dirt for the Dead. This EP was sold at live performances, providing the band with initial exposure and a platform to showcase their emerging sound. The following year, in January 2005, the band released a second EP, which served as a precursor to their debut studio album. This demo-style EP contained six songs, offering listeners a glimpse of the band’s developing musical direction.

Victory Records Era and Early Albums (2006–2010)

In February 2005, A Day to Remember signed with Indianola Records, leading to the release of their debut full-length album, And Their Name Was Treason, in May 2005. The album sold over 10,000 copies, marking a significant milestone for the band. In 2006, drummer Bobby Scruggs was replaced by Alex Shelnutt, who continued to perform with the band in subsequent projects.

Later in 2006, ADTR signed with Victory Records, a label known for its roster of punk and hardcore bands. Under Victory Records, the band released their second studio album, For Those Who Have Heart, in January 2007. The album peaked at number 17 on Billboard’s Top Heatseekers chart, indicating a growing national presence. In September 2007, ADTR released a cover of Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone” on their MySpace page, which was later included in the re-release of For Those Who Have Heart in February 2008. This re-release reached number 43 on the Top Independent Albums chart.

Homesick and Lineup Changes (2008–2010)

In February 2009, A Day to Remember released their third studio album, Homesick. The album achieved commercial success, reaching number 21 on the Billboard 200 and securing the top position on the Top Independent Albums chart. Homesick included notable tracks such as “The Downfall of Us All” and “Have Faith in Me,” which contributed to the band’s expanding fanbase. During the promotion of Homesick, Tom Denney was replaced by Kevin Skaff as the lead guitarist.

In October 2008, a remastered version of their debut album, titled Old Record, was released through Victory Records. This version included additional tracks and served to reintroduce the band’s earlier work to a broader audience.

What Separates Me from You and Legal Challenges (2010–2012)

In 2010, ADTR released their fourth studio album, What Separates Me from You. The album featured singles such as “All I Want” and “All Signs Point to Lauderdale” and was followed by a worldwide tour to promote its release. Despite the album’s success, the band became involved in a legal dispute with Victory Records in 2011. ADTR filed a lawsuit alleging breach of contract, claiming that Victory owed them over $75,000 in royalties. Victory Records contended that the band had not fulfilled their contractual obligation of producing five albums and sought to terminate the agreement.

The legal battle centered on the interpretation of what constituted an “album” under the contract, with A Day to Remember arguing that various live albums and re-releases should count towards their commitment. In October 2013, a court ruled in favor of ADTR, allowing them to self-release new albums pending a final verdict. Victory Records was ordered to pay $4 million in unpaid royalties and granted ADTR composition rights to their songs, while Victory retained the sound recording rights.

Common Courtesy and Bad Vibrations (2013–2018)

Following the court’s decision, ADTR released their fifth studio album, Common Courtesy, in December 2013. The album addressed the ongoing legal issues with Victory Records and included tracks such as “Right Back at It Again” and “End of Me.” The production of Common Courtesy was self-financed, with the band recording at Jeremy McKinnon’s home studio.

In 2016, A Day to Remember released their sixth studio album, Bad Vibrations, under their independent label and Epitaph Records. The album featured singles like “Paranoia,” “Bad Vibrations,” “Bullfight,” “Naivety,” and “We Got This.” Bad Vibrations marked a return to a heavier sound, reflecting the band’s metalcore influences.

You’re Welcome and Recent Activities (2019–Present)

In 2019, ADTR signed with Fueled by Ramen, a major record label known for its association with popular alternative acts. Under this label, the band released their seventh studio album, You’re Welcome, on March 5, 2021. The album included singles such as “Degenerates,” “Resentment,” “Mindreader,” “Brick Wall,” “Everything We Need,” and “Re-Entry.”

On June 14, 2019, A Day to Remember collaborated with EDM producer Marshmello on the track “Rescue Me,” marking their first release in three years. In January 2021, the band held an acoustic livestream event titled “Live at The Audio Compound.” Later that year, on October 13, ADTR announced the departure of founding bassist Joshua Woodard due to allegations of past misconduct and involvement in a 2017 car crash that resulted in a fatality. Following Woodard’s departure, Bobby Lynge was announced as the new bassist in 2024.

In 2022, ADTR released the single “Miracle,” and in 2024, they released another single titled “Feedback,” indicating ongoing musical activity and production.

Musical Style and Influences

A Day to Remember’s musical style is characterized by a fusion of metalcore and pop-punk elements. Critics have described their genre as metalcore, pop-punk, post-hardcore, alternative rock, melodic metalcore, melodic hardcore, pop rock, and easycore. The band’s song structures typically incorporate metalcore breakdowns combined with pop-punk choruses. This blend has been referred to as “pop-mosh” by AllMusic critic Eduardo Rivadavia.

The band cites influences from various artists across different genres, including New Found Glory, Blink-182, NOFX, Bury Your Dead, Comeback Kid, Millencolin, On Broken Wings, and Seventh Star. These influences are reflected in their ability to merge aggressive metalcore elements with melodic pop-punk hooks.

A Day to Remember Tours

A Day to Remember is known for their extensive touring history and energetic live performances. The band has headlined multiple tours, including “The Pulling Your Pud Tour” in 2009 and the “Toursick” tour in 2010. They have also supported major acts such as Bring Me the Horizon and Rise Against on various tours.

ADTR has participated in numerous music festivals, including the Vans Warped Tour, Soundwave, The Bamboozle, Download Festival, and Rock am Ring. Their live performances are noted for intense mosh pits, crowd interaction, and high-energy stage presence.

Self Help Fest

In 2014, ADTR launched their own music festival, Self Help Fest, which was first held on March 22, 2014, at the NOS Event Center in San Bernardino, California. The festival was conceived as a response to the band’s observation that their music positively impacted their audience. ADTR headlined the inaugural event, which featured performances by bands such as Bring Me the Horizon, Of Mice & Men, The Story So Far, Memphis May Fire, Attila, and Letlive.

The second Self Help Fest took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on October 4, 2014, with returning acts and additional bands like The Wonder Years, Motionless in White, Chiodos, and Gnarwolves. Subsequent editions of the festival continued to feature a diverse lineup of alternative and punk rock bands, expanding to multiple locations in later years.

Controversies and Challenges

A Day to Remember has faced several challenges throughout their career, including lineup changes and legal disputes. In 2008, drummer Bobby Scruggs was replaced by Alex Shelnutt. The departure of founding guitarist Tom Denney in 2009 led to Kevin Skaff joining as his replacement.

The lawsuit with Victory Records from 2011 to 2013 was a significant legal challenge, resulting in financial compensation and granting ADTR the rights to self-release new music. In 2021, bassist Joshua Woodard left the band amid allegations of past misconduct and his involvement in a fatal car crash in 2017.

Additionally, ADTR has encountered criticism from some music community members regarding their blend of pop-punk and metalcore, with some purists questioning the authenticity of their genre fusion.

Band Members

Current A Day to Remember Members

• Jeremy McKinnon – Lead vocals (2003–present)
• Neil Westfall – Rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2003–present)
• Alex Shelnutt – Drums (2006–present)
• Kevin Skaff – Lead guitar, backing vocals (2009–present)
• Bobby Lynge – Bass (2024–present)

Former ADTR Members

• Bobby Scruggs – Drums (2003–2006)
• Tom Denney – Lead guitar (2003–2009)
• Joshua Woodard – Bass (2003–2021)

Former Touring Members

• Dane Poppin – Bass (2022–2023)
• Rob Vincent – Keyboard (2022–2023)
• Matt Cleveland – Additional guitars (2022–2023)

Discography

Studio Albums

1. And Their Name Was Treason (2005)
2. For Those Who Have Heart (2007)
3. Homesick (2009)
4. What Separates Me from You (2010)
5. Common Courtesy (2013)
6. Bad Vibrations (2016)
7. You’re Welcome (2021)

Awards and Nominations

Alternative Press Music Awards

•2014

•Artist of the Year – Nominated

•Common Courtesy Album of the Year – Nominated

•Best Live Band – Nominated

•2015

•Best Live Band – Won

•“End of Me” Best Music Video – Nominated

Kerrang! Music Awards

•2012

•Best International Band – Nominated