I first discovered New Found Glory when I was in high school in the early 2000s. Which was the prime Pop Punk/Emo years for music. A sound which has somehow made a comeback 20 years later in a big way. Resulting in a bunch of 30-Somethings getting a babysitter on Friday nights so they can relive those studded belt glory days at their local Emo Nite (insert city here). Myself included.
Ever since I first heard Hit or Miss I was hooked. Then when I saw them live for the first time opening for blink-182 in the summer of 2001 they instantly became my favorite band. I have followed them ever since. Each record sonically taking me through every stage of my life and theirs. What I’ve always loved about New Found Glory is their songs, live shows, and overall personality as a band has always been rooted in fun. Sure they write songs about heavy topics like heartbreak, death, and the emotional rollercoasters of life, but you always came out of it with a smile on your face itching to crowd surf your way to the front of the stage to high five Chad, Jordan and Ian. Which I’ve done more times than I can count at this point.
Their new acoustic album, “Make The Most of It“, just came out last week. From the first listen it gives you that same familiar feeling of an NFG record while also tugging at your heartstrings through the beautiful lyrics. The seven brand new songs written by guitarist Chad Gilbert all came in the wake of his cancer diagnosis in 2021.
“I didn’t want this to be the ‘cancer record’ originally,” Gilbert admits. “But when we went on tour and people started hearing the story and connecting to it, I gave up on trying to control the narrative. Not all bands are dealt these cards, but we were. Let’s take these songs and help the disease get awareness and raise money for a cause that’s working on education and research for my rare cancer.”
Here is a video of Chad telling his story which is unbelievably powerful and moving.
In addition to the new songs they also added seven live acoustic versions of fan favorites like “The Story So Far”, “Understatement”, “My Friends Over You” and of course… an excellent version of “Hit or Miss”. All were recorded in front of a live crowd in Franklin, Tennessee. So you really get that crowd sing-a-long vibe we all enjoy hearing and participating in.
Make The Most Of It is almost like musical therapy in way. It really drives home all the emotions of life from love for your family and kids, to living each day to the fullest and not taking one second for granted. I suggest listening to the album with headphones to really experience the raw emotion and vulnerability that honestly made us all fall in love with NFG in the first place.
A percentage of proceeds from the album will go to The Pheo Para Alliance, the longest standing internationally recognized leader in advocacy for, and awareness of, pheochromocytoma. New Found Glory have also released a limited-edition charity shirt to benefit The Pheo Para Alliance, which you can buy here: https://newfoundglorystuff.com
If you need your NFG live fix they are hitting the road this year as well… I would highly recommend checking out these show if they are coming to a city near you. Tickets are on sale at www.newfoundglory.com/tour.
Make The Most Of It Tour Dates
January 28 – St. Louis, MO – Delmar Hall
January 29 – Omaha, NE – Slowdown
January 31 – San Antonio, TX – Aztec Theatre
February 2 – Phoenix, AZ – Celebrity Theatre
February 3 – Garden Grove, CA – Garden Amp
February 4 – Garden Grove, CA – Garden Amp**
February 5 – San Francisco, CA – August Hall
February 7 – Seattle, WA – Neptune Theatre
February 8 – Portland, OR – Aladdin Theater
February 10 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Depot**
February 11 – Denver, CO – The Oriental Theater
March 10 – Franklin, TN – The Franklin Theatre**
March 11 – Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall
March 12 – Pontiac, MI – Flagstar Strand Theatre
March 14 – Glenside, PA – Keswick Theatre
March 15 – Washington, DC – Sixth and I
March 16 – Somerville, MA – Somerville Theatre
March 17 – Red Bank, NJ – Count Basie Center For The Arts
March 18 – New York, NY – The Town Hall
March 20 – Graham, NC – Haw River Ballroom
March 21 – Atlanta, GA – Center Stage
March 22 – Orlando, FL – The Plaza Live
March 23 – Miami Beach, FL – Miami Beach Bandshell**Sold Out
Featured image credit: NFG (Credit Stevie Lowenstein)