2013 is over and a new year has begun, bringing new shows, tours, and albums anticipated for 2014, but before you get into everything new the beginning of a new year is a good time to reminisce on the following year. There were many great break ups and getting back togethers in the music world.
In February of 2013, just six weeks after the drop of their new album Wild & Free American, 7 year strong, rock band A Rocket to the Moon announced their break up. Fans were shocked not only on how abrupt the break up was after a successful album but also on the timing.
A Rocket to the Moon was set to play on tour with The Maine this summer. When interviewed by The Alternative Press, frontman Nick Santino stated that the former group, Justin Richards (guitarist), Eric Halvorsen (bassist), and Andrew Cook (drummer), were “still best friends.” Santino continues the interview by talking about the popular alternative label they were signed under along with many other famous bands including Paramore and Panic! At the Disco, Fueled by Ramen, and how “it’s nothing personal; it’s just the business and sometimes business isn’t very friendly.”
Woe is, Me’s Hance Alligood left the band ending its run officially in September of 2013 with a tour still booked. Alligood explains in a tumblr blog post his reason for leaving stating,
“The truth is, I’ve been sad for a while. Not necessarily sad, I supposed, just unhappy. I’ve lost the passion for this genre of music I once had and I don’t think it’s ever gonna come back. I honestly wish there was more to the story than that. I wish there was something for me to elaborate on and try to get you to wrap your head around this complex story. In reality, I decided to leave the band because my heart just wasn’t in it anymore.”
My Chemical Romance, a 12 year old band and credited to be one of the most influential rock bands in the business, surprised other bands as well as fans around the world by ending in March of 2013. Soon many rumors, conspiracies, and questions were raised. Members Gerard Way, Frank Lero, Ray Toro, and Mikey Way released numerous statements to social media sites and confessed in many interviews that there was not one person in the band who wanted to end it but rather all the members knew that “it was time to hang it up.”
Mikey Way, MCR’s lead vocalists’ brother, took to twitter on March 24th commenting “I want to thank everyone who helped make the past 12 years an unforgettable journey for me. Family, friends and fans-thank you.” There are rumors that the band may reform under a new name without former guitarist Frank Lero, who is now a part of a new electric hardcore band Death Spells.
In 2013 Fall Out Boy was voted for Alternative Press the band most fans would like to see reunite. On April 15th 2013 prayers were answered when Fall Out Boy surprised the music world with a new album release titled ‘Save Rock and Roll’ and announced 6 small shows. Bassist Pete Wentz claimed, “It means the world to us that you have welcomed us back.” They also headlined the Skate and Surf festival of that year. The band from Chicago now officially off hiatus consists of vocalist Patrick Stump, guitarist Joe Trohman, and Andy Hurley on the drums. They won three MTV music awards.
Although there were many breakups in 2013 and a very big reunion, 2014 still brings the hope of more new releases, tours and singles. Warped tour was announced to play the summer of 2014 locally at PNC Arts Center. One of the most important and well known groups of all time, Blink 182’s Tom Delonge and Travis Barker claimed to Kerrag! Magazine they will be returning to the studio and there is talk of releasing a new LP.
Additionally, Band Brand New is waiting to release a long anticipated 5th studio LP and announced last year that they were writing new songs. Legendary band Foo Fighters, after a brief hiatus, are following up with new songs and a possible 8th studio album. Southern California punk rock band Joyce Manor has reportedly developed a following, according to Fuse, “of punk enthusiasts and indie rock lovers alike. With their two existing LPs totaling barely 30 minutes combined…” They are also looking to release their full length EP in Spring of this year.
Of Mice & Men is releasing their full album in late January titles “Restoring Force,” and pop punk band We Are the In Crowd is introducing their second album “Weird Kids.” Lastly, Young the Giant will be releasing their sophomore album “Mind Over Matter” according to Instagram posts set for January 21.