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Yellowcard

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Band Timeline

1997

Formation of Yellowcard in Jacksonville, Florida

Yellowcard was formed in 1997 by a group of students at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in Jacksonville, Florida. The original lineup featured Ben Dobson on vocals, Todd Clary on guitar, Ben Harper on guitar, Warren Cooke on bass, and Longineu Parsons III on drums. The band's name derived from a humorous phrase about issuing a "yellow card" for party fouls. Early on, Ryan Key and Sean Mackin contributed as guest vocalist and violinist, respectively. The band's initial style was hardcore punk, which later shifted toward pop punk.
1997–2002

Early Albums and Lineup Changes

During this period, Yellowcard released their first three albums: "Midget Tossing" (1997), "Where We Stand" (1999), and "One for the Kids" (2001), evolving from hardcore punk into pop punk after Ryan Key replaced Ben Dobson as lead vocalist. Violinist Sean Mackin joined the band more permanently. The band also released EPs including "Still Standing" (2000) and "The Underdog" (2002). Key took over guitar duties after Todd Clary left in 2000. Bassist Warren Cooke departed in 2002 and was replaced by Pete Mosely, reflecting ongoing lineup changes that solidified the band's evolving sound and presence.
2003

Breakthrough with 'Ocean Avenue' and Major Label Debut

In 2003, Yellowcard signed with Capitol Records and released their major label debut album "Ocean Avenue." The album marked a significant breakthrough, featuring a polished pop punk sound highlighted by the violin. Key singles such as "Ocean Avenue," "Only One," and "Way Away" garnered widespread attention, with "Ocean Avenue" becoming a top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Bassist Pete Mosely left during recording and was replaced by Alex Lewis. The album achieved double platinum certification, cementing Yellowcard's status as a prominent band in the pop punk scene.
2006

Release of 'Lights and Sounds' and Continued Success

Yellowcard released their fifth studio album, "Lights and Sounds," in 2006. The album reached the top 5 on the Billboard 200 chart, demonstrating the band’s commercial strength. The title track, though not a top 40 hit, peaked at number 50 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became their highest-charting song on the Alternative Songs chart. This album showcased a slightly darker and more complex tone compared to previous releases, displaying the band's willingness to evolve musically while maintaining their unique violin-driven sound. "Lights and Sounds" was certified gold, further confirming their mainstream success.
2007

Release of 'Paper Walls' and Hiatus

In 2007, Yellowcard released their sixth studio album, "Paper Walls." While it was well received by fans, it did not replicate the commercial success of "Ocean Avenue" or "Lights and Sounds." Following the album's release and subsequent touring, the band announced a hiatus in 2008. This break allowed members to pursue other projects and reflect on the band's future directions after a decade of active recording and touring.
2010–2012

Reunion and Return with New Albums

Yellowcard reunited in 2010, resuming their recording and touring career. Their seventh studio album, "When You’re Through Thinking, Say Yes," was released on March 22, 2011. The band followed up with their eighth album, "Southern Air," on August 14, 2012, which received universal acclaim for its energetic return to form and strong songwriting. This period marked a revitalization for Yellowcard, reconnecting with longtime fans and garnering new listeners while continuing to emphasize their distinctive violin-enhanced sound.
2014–2016

Later Albums and Final Studio Release

Yellowcard released their ninth album, "Lift a Sail," on October 7, 2014, which received generally favorable reviews, continuing the band’s exploration of mature themes and diverse musical influences. Their tenth and final studio album, the self-titled "Yellowcard," was released on September 30, 2016. After supporting this album with tours, the band decided to disband, marking the end of a notable chapter in pop punk history. Their decision to disband reflected both the natural evolution of the members' lives and the music industry challenges.
2022–2023

Reunion and Release of 'Childhood Eyes' EP

In May 2022, Yellowcard announced their reunion, much to the excitement of fans worldwide. They resumed touring and recording, signaling a new era for the band. In 2023, they released the "Childhood Eyes" EP on July 21, marking their first new music release in several years. This reunion highlighted the band’s enduring legacy, their influence on the pop punk genre, and the lasting connection they have with their audience after over two decades in the music scene.

Albums

yellowcard_1st_album
Midget Tossing
11 tracks
1997
yellowcard_2nd_album
Where We Stand
10 tracks
1999
yellowcard_3rd_album
One for the Kids
12 tracks
2001
yellowcard_4th_album
Ocean Avenue
13 tracks
2003
yellowcard_5th_album
Lights and Sounds
15 tracks
2006
yellowcard_6th_album
Paper Walls
13 tracks
2007
yellowcard_7th_album
When You’re Through Thinking, Say Yes
12 tracks
2011
yellowcard_8th_album
Southern Air
11 tracks
2012
yellowcard_9th_album
Lift a Sail
13 tracks
2014
yellowcard_10th_album
Yellowcard
10 tracks
2016
yellowcard_11th_album
A Hopeful Sign
9 tracks
2024
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Peter Mosely

2002

Ryan Mendez

2005

Longineu Parsons, III

1997

Sean Mackin

1997

William Ryan Key

1999

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Alex Lewis

2003
2004

Ben Dobson

1997
1999

Warren Cooke

1997
2002

Ben Harper

1997
2005

Todd Clary

1997
2000

Story of Yellowcard

Yellowcard: A Pop-Punk Powerhouse Fueled by Violin

Yellowcard, the Jacksonville, Florida-born rock band, burst onto the scene in 1997, carving a unique path within the pop-punk landscape. Their sound, defined by the soaring violin melodies of Sean Mackin, set them apart from their contemporaries. Led by the powerhouse vocals of Ryan Key, the band's lineup has been a constant force, also featuring the guitar prowess of Ryan Mendez and the rhythmic foundation of bassist Josh Portman.

The band's breakout moment arrived in 2003 with the release of "Ocean Avenue," a song and album that quickly catapulted them to mainstream success. This double-platinum certified album cemented their legacy, solidifying their position as pop-punk royalty. The infectious energy of "Only One" and the anthemic "Lights and Sounds" further cemented their place in the hearts of music fans.

Yellowcard's musical journey has spanned ten studio albums, culminating in their self-titled release in 2016. Following a final tour in support of the album, the band announced a hiatus, leaving a void in the pop-punk scene.

But the fire of Yellowcard's music remained strong, reigniting in 2022 when the band reunited for a performance at Riot Fest. The following year saw the launch of a highly anticipated 20th-anniversary tour celebrating the iconic "Ocean Avenue." The reunion was further underscored by the release of a new EP, "Childhood Eyes," in July 2023, reminding fans of the band's enduring power and the enduring magic of their music.

Early Days: A Jacksonville Story

From the halls of Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, where the members first crossed paths, Yellowcard's story began. Their name, a playful nod to high school antics, reflected the band's youthful energy and the camaraderie that fueled their music. Their early days were marked by a raw passion for creating music, a passion that would soon blossom into a worldwide phenomenon.

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