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Boys Like Girls

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Band Timeline

2005

Formation and Early Development of Boys Like Girls

Boys Like Girls was formed in late 2005 in Andover, Massachusetts. The original lineup consisted of Martin Johnson (vocals), Bryan Donahue (bass), John Keefe (drums), and Paul DiGiovanni (lead guitar). They initially performed under the name Lancaster before changing to Boys Like Girls. The group began by uploading demo songs on PureVolume and MySpace, quickly gaining attention and building a fanbase which positioned them as the top unsigned act on these platforms.
2006

Debut Album Release and Initial Success

In 2006, Boys Like Girls signed with Columbia Records and released their self-titled debut album on August 22. Despite a modest start on the charts, with the album debuting at number 179 on the Billboard 200 and initially selling fewer than 1,500 copies in the first week, the album gradually grew in popularity. Singles such as "Hero/Heroine" and "The Great Escape" helped bolster the album’s profile. "The Great Escape" received significant airplay, winning the number 1 spot on MTV's TRL in 2007. The debut album eventually peaked at number 55 on the Billboard 200 and was certified Gold by the RIAA, having sold over 700,000 copies in the US.
2007-2008

Touring and Growing Popularity

Between 2007 and 2008, Boys Like Girls gained momentum through extensive touring. They participated in major tours including performing on the main stage of the 2007 Vans Warped Tour and headlining their own 'Tourzilla' in 2007. In 2008, they co-headlined the Soundtrack of Your Summer Tour alongside Good Charlotte. The band’s engaging stage presence and energetic performances helped them expand their fanbase. During this time, singles from their debut album continued to receive airplay, and their music videos maintained popularity on channels like MTV.
2009

Breakthrough with Second Album 'Love Drunk'

September 8, 2009, marked the release of Boys Like Girls’ second studio album, 'Love Drunk'. This album marked a significant commercial breakthrough, debuting at number 8 on the Billboard 200 and reaching number 1 on the Billboard Top Rock Albums chart. Singles like the upbeat title track 'Love Drunk' and 'Two Is Better Than One', a notable collaboration with Taylor Swift, achieved Platinum certifications and mainstream radio success. The record also charted well in Canada. 'Love Drunk' established Boys Like Girls as a major presence in the pop rock scene, significantly increasing their commercial profile.
2012

Third Album 'Crazy World' and Commercial Challenges

In 2012, Boys Like Girls released their third album, 'Crazy World'. The album was a departure from their earlier commercial success, charting at number 134 on the Billboard 200 and receiving a more muted response from critics and fans. It produced only one single, "Be Your Everything". Despite the lower commercial impact, Boys Like Girls continued to tour through 2013, maintaining a loyal fan base and supporting the album’s release. 'Crazy World' reflected a band experimenting with their sound during a transitional period in their career.
2023

Return with Fourth Album 'Sunday at Foxwoods' and Renewed Activity

After a long hiatus from studio releases, Boys Like Girls made a significant return in 2023 with the release of their fourth studio album, 'Sunday at Foxwoods', which featured the lead single 'Blood and Sugar'. This marked a stylistic evolution for the band, now stylized in all caps since 2023. The album release and single signaled a renewed presence in the music industry, appealing both to longtime fans and new listeners alike. The band's comeback highlights their enduring appeal and ability to adapt musically over nearly two decades since their formation.

Albums

boys-like-girls_1st_album
Boys Like Girls
12 tracks
2006
boys-like-girls_2nd_album
Love Drunk
11 tracks
2009
boys-like-girls_3rd_album
Crazy World
11 tracks
2012
boys-like-girls_4th_album
SUNDAY AT FOXWOODS
13 tracks
2023
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Martin Johnson

2005

Guitar

Morgan Dorr

N/A

Johnny Keefe

N/A

Martin Johnson

2005

Lead vocals

Story of Boys Like Girls

BOYS LIKE GIRLS (all caps since 2023), the Andover, Massachusetts-bred rock band, burst onto the scene in 2005. Their self-titled debut album (2006) propelled them to mainstream success, selling over 700,000 copies in the US and achieving RIAA gold certification. Subsequent studio albums followed: Love Drunk (2009) and Crazy World (2012), solidifying their place in the rock landscape.

From 2006 to 2013, BOYS LIKE GIRLS toured relentlessly, hitting major milestones like a main stage appearance at the 2007 Vans Warped Tour, their inaugural headlining "Tourzilla" (2007), and a co-headline slot with Good Charlotte on the 2008 "Soundtrack of Your Summer" Tour. Their music video for "The Great Escape," directed by Alan Ferguson, reigned supreme as MTV's TRL #1 video on August 6, 2007, leading to a performance at the iconic Times Square studio.

The band's resurgence in 2023 saw the release of "Blood and Sugar," the lead single from their fourth studio album, Sunday at Foxwoods.

History:

Formation and Early Years (2005-2006): The band formed in Andover, MA, in late 2005, spearheaded by vocalist Martin Johnson (formerly of Fake ID/The Drive). Johnson, armed with a batch of new songs, recruited bassist Bryan Donahue and drummer John Keefe. Keefe then added lead guitarist Paul DiGiovanni, completing the lineup.

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