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Band Timeline

1993

Formation of Jimmy Eat World

Jimmy Eat World was formed in Mesa, Arizona, in 1993. The founding members included lead vocalist and guitarist Jim Adkins, drummer Zach Lind, guitarist Tom Linton, and bassist Mitchel Porter. They started with a punk rock sound and released their first demo tape in the same year, followed by an EP titled One, Two, Three, Four in 1994. The band got its name from a crayon drawing by one of Linton's younger brothers.
1996

Release of Static Prevails and Lineup Change

In 1996, Jimmy Eat World released Static Prevails, their major-label debut on Capitol Records. The album marked their shift towards slower tempos and more varied song structures. Before signing with Capitol, original bassist Mitchel Porter left the band and was replaced by Rick Burch. The band garnered indie scene attention and toured actively, releasing singles and split 7-inch records with other bands.
1999

Release of Clarity and Artistic Growth

Jimmy Eat World recorded and released their third album Clarity in 1999 through Capitol Records. This album showcased a notable stylistic evolution with emo, pop punk, and punk rock influences. It also saw Jim Adkins take over lead vocal duties from Tom Linton. Despite positive critical reception and cult status gained over time, Clarity was a commercial failure, leading to the band being dropped by Capitol in August 1999.
2001

Commercial Breakthrough with Bleed American

Jimmy Eat World achieved their commercial breakthrough with the release of Bleed American in 2001 on DreamWorks Records. The album featured hit singles like 'The Middle,' which topped the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart, and other singles that charted in the top 20. The album was certified platinum by the RIAA and sold over 1.6 million copies in the US. This success established the band as a major act in alternative rock.
2004

Release of Futures and Continued Success

In 2004, Jimmy Eat World released their fifth studio album Futures through Interscope Records. The album reached number 6 on the US Billboard 200 and was certified gold. It featured the hit single 'Pain,' which became their second number 1 on the Alternative Songs chart. The band toured internationally to support the album and released multiple singles including 'Work' and 'Futures,' which performed well on alternative radio.
2007

Chase This Light Brings Highest Charting Album Yet

Jimmy Eat World released their sixth album, Chase This Light, in 2007. The album was their highest-charting to date, peaking at number 5 on the Billboard 200. Recorded with engineer Chris Testa and with Butch Vig as an executive producer, the album featured a power pop and pop punk sound. Singles such as 'Big Casino' and 'Always Be' supported extensive touring in the US, Europe, and Japan.
2019

Release of Surviving Album

The band's tenth studio album, Surviving, was released on October 18, 2019, through RCA and Exotic Location Recordings. Following years of touring and writing, the album was recorded with co-producer Justin Meldal-Johnsen in their home studio. It was described as alternative rock and emo, recalling the sound of earlier works like Chase This Light and Damage. The album was supported by tours in the UK and US and the single 'All the Way (Stay)'.
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Rick Burch

1995

Jim Adkins

1993

Zach Lind

1993

Tom Linton

1993

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Mitch Porter

1993
1995

Story of Jimmy Eat World

Jimmy Eat World: From Mesa to the Mainstream

Hailing from the desert heat of Mesa, Arizona, Jimmy Eat World emerged in 1993 with a raw, energetic sound that quickly captured the hearts of alternative rock fans. The band – featuring the songwriting duo of Jim Adkins (lead vocals, guitar) and Tom Linton (rhythm guitar, backing vocals), along with bassist Rick Burch and drummer Zach Lind – have remained a tight-knit unit, their consistency reflected in the nine studio albums they've released together.

The band's breakout moment came with their 2001 release, Bleed American. This album was a veritable hit machine, spawning four top-20 singles on the Alternative Songs chart, including the iconic "The Middle" which soared to the No. 1 position. Their momentum continued with Futures (2004), which boasted the chart-topping single "Pain" and solidified their place as a major force in the rock scene.

The RIAA recognized the immense success of Bleed American with a platinum certification, while Futures achieved gold status, reflecting combined sales exceeding 1.5 million units. The band continued to climb the charts with their sixth LP, Chase This Light (2007), which peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard 200, becoming their highest-charting album to date.

Jimmy Eat World's story is one of unwavering dedication and an ability to connect with audiences through their passionate and relatable songwriting. From the desert heat of their beginnings to the pinnacle of the rock charts, they've carved their own path and left an enduring mark on the music world.

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