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Taking Back Sunday

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Upcoming Events

Aftershock Festival 2025
Aftershock Festival 2025

2025 10-02 on stage

Get ready to witness the West Coast's ultimate rock, punk, and metal pilgrimage as Aftershock Festival returns to Sacramento's iconic Discovery Park from October 2nd to 5th, 2025. Now in its 13th year, Aftershock has cemented its reputation as a must-attend event, drawing over 160,000 music fans from all 50 states and over 30 countries in previous years. This four-day destination festival consistently delivers a powerhouse lineup of genre titans and rising stars, promising an unparalleled experience for every headbanger and music enthusiast. Aftershock 2025 is set to be bigger and bolder than ever, featuring an impressive roster of over 115 bands performing across four stages. Headliners like Blink-182, Deftones (playing a special hometown show), Korn, and Bring Me The Horizon are poised to ignite the crowds with their electrifying performances. Beyond the main acts, the festival boasts an incredible depth of talent, including highly anticipated reunions like The Dillinger Escape Plan and Chiodos, rare performances, and a strong showing of California's own vibrant rock and metal scene. Whether you're a die-hard fan of classic anthems, the raw power of nu-metal, or the cutting edge of genre-blending rock, Aftershock's meticulously curated lineup ensures there's something to fuel every passion. Beyond the stages, Aftershock Festival offers a complete immersive experience. Set against the scenic backdrop of Discovery Park where the American River meets the Sacramento River, attendees can expect a lively atmosphere filled with a diverse array of food and drink options, engaging art installations, and various other entertainment. The festival has become a significant cultural and economic driver for Sacramento, bringing an estimated $30 million economic impact to the region. With its commitment to showcasing the best in rock, punk, and metal, Aftershock 2025 is not just a festival; it's a celebration of a vibrant global community and a testament to the enduring power of heavy music.

Band Timeline

1999

Formation of Taking Back Sunday and Early Lineup Changes

Taking Back Sunday was formed in late 1999 in Amityville, New York, by guitarist Eddie Reyes and bassist Jesse Lacey. The original lineup included guitarists Reyes and John Nolan, bassist Lacey, vocalist Antonio Longo, and drummer Steven DeJoseph. Early in the band's existence, Lacey left after a personal incident with Nolan and went on to form the band Brand New. Adam Lazzara was then recruited initially as bassist but switched to lead vocalist in December 2000. Mark O'Connell joined as the drummer, and Shaun Cooper became the bassist, solidifying the early stable lineup.
2001

Signing with Victory Records

By 2001, Taking Back Sunday was an unsigned band offered contracts by multiple labels, including Triple Crown Records and Drive-Thru Records, but deals fell through. They eventually caught the attention of Victory Records after a friend passed a demo to the label's A&R representative. Victory Records founder Tony Brummel was impressed after a live performance and the band signed a contract in December 2001. This signing was the turning point that allowed the band to focus on recording and releasing a full-length studio album.
2002

Release of Debut Album 'Tell All Your Friends'

In 2002, Taking Back Sunday released their debut studio album 'Tell All Your Friends' under Victory Records. This album showcased the band's emo and post-hardcore style, quickly gaining traction within the early 2000s emo scene. The expressive lyrics and energetic performances resonated with a wide audience, establishing Taking Back Sunday as one of the prominent bands emerging from Long Island. The success of this album set the foundation for the band's future career.
2004

Release of 'Where You Want to Be' and Billboard Success

'Where You Want to Be,' the band's second album, was released in 2004 and became a commercial success. It peaked at number 3 on the United States Billboard 200 chart, marking the band's highest charting position at the time. This album featured refined songwriting and showcased their growth since their debut. It helped solidify Taking Back Sunday's presence in the rock and emo music scenes and expanded their fan base significantly.
2006

Breakthrough with 'Louder Now' Album

Taking Back Sunday released their third album, 'Louder Now,' in 2006, which marked a major breakthrough in their career. The album featured the leading single 'MakeDamnSure,' which became one of their most popular songs. 'Louder Now' sold over 900,000 copies and peaked at number 2 on the Billboard 200, surpassing their previous chart records. The commercial success and critical acclaim of this album broadened their audience and solidified their reputation in alternative rock and emo music scenes.
2010

Return of John Nolan and Shaun Cooper

In 2010, original members John Nolan (lead guitar, keyboards, vocals) and Shaun Cooper (bass guitar), who had left the band in 2003 to form Straylight Run, rejoined Taking Back Sunday. Their return marked a reunion of the classic lineup that contributed to the band's early success. This reunion revitalized the band's dynamic and creative output, leading to subsequent albums and tours that kept their legacy alive in the evolving rock landscape.
2023

Release of Eighth Studio Album '152'

Taking Back Sunday released their eighth studio album titled '152' in 2023. This release marked more than two decades of continuous evolution in music and member composition. The album reflects the band's enduring influence in the rock and emo genres, showing maturity and growth while retaining the energetic and emotive sound that fans have cherished. It embodies their ongoing relevance and contribution to the music industry after many years of activity.

Albums

taking-back-sunday_1st_album
Tell All Your Friends
10 tracks
2002
taking-back-sunday_2nd_album
Where You Want to Be
11 tracks
2004
taking-back-sunday_3rd_album
Louder Now
12 tracks
2006
taking-back-sunday_4th_album
New Again
11 tracks
2009
taking-back-sunday_5th_album
Taking Back Sunday
11 tracks
2011
taking-back-sunday_6th_album
Happiness Is
11 tracks
2014
taking-back-sunday_7th_album
Tidal Wave
12 tracks
2016
taking-back-sunday_8th_album
152
10 tracks
2023
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Adam Lazzara

2001

Lead vocals

Shaun Cooper

2010

Bass guitar

Mark O’Connell

2001

Percussion

John Nolan

2010

Guitar

John Nolan

2010

Lead vocals

Mark O’Connell

2001

Drums (drum set)

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Adam Lazzara

2000
2001

Bass guitar

Background vocals

Matthew Rubano

2003
2010

Bass guitar

Eddie Reyes

1999
2018

Guitar

Steven DeJoseph

1999
2001

Drums (drum set)

Jesse Lacey

1999
1999

Background vocals

Guitar

Jesse Lacey

1999
2000

Background vocals

Steven DeJoseph

1999
2001

Percussion

Antonio Longo

1999
2001

Lead vocals

John Nolan

1999
2003

Lead vocals

Keyboard

Guitar

Matthew Fazzi

2008
2010

Guitar

Matthew Fazzi

2008
2010

Background vocals

Matthew Rubano

2003
2010

Background vocals

Fred Mascherino

2003
2007

Lead vocals

Guitar

Jesse Lacey

1999
2000

Bass guitar

Shaun Cooper

2001
2003

Bass guitar

Matthew Fazzi

2008
2010

Keyboard

Story of Taking Back Sunday

Taking Back Sunday, the Amityville, New York-bred emo rock titans, emerged from the ashes of 1999, forged by guitarist Eddie Reyes and bassist Jesse Lacey. While Lacey's departure that same year to form Brand New ignited a notorious, highly publicized feud with his former bandmates, Taking Back Sunday's story continued. Adam Lazzara stepped into the vocal role, replacing Antonio Longo, before the band’s 2002 debut, Tell All Your Friends. The lineup has seen its share of upheaval; John Nolan (guitar/vocals) and Shaun Cooper (bass) briefly departed in 2003 to launch Straylight Run, only to rejoin the fold in 2010. The band's explosive success truly took flight with 2006's Louder Now, propelled by the hit single "MakeDamnSure." This album shifted over 900,000 copies, peaking at #2 on the Billboard 200, eclipsing their previous #3 position with 2004's Where You Want To Be. With a revolving door of bassists (including Matthew Rubano) and guitarists/vocalists (Fred Mascherino and Matthew Fazzi), and current touring guitarist Nathan Cogan supporting the core of Lazzara, Nolan, Cooper, and drummer Mark O'Connell, Taking Back Sunday continue their legacy, releasing their eighth studio album, 152, in 2023.

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