Over the weekend, the iconic band Brand New made headlines by reuniting for a surprise performance in Nashville, nearly seven years after their previous split, as confirmed by Lambgoat. This unexpected event has generated significant buzz among fans and music enthusiasts alike.

Reports emerged in the days leading up to the event, indicating that Brand New played a private and intimate show on Sunday night (Dec. 15) at the Eastside Bowl in Nashville. The venue has since confirmed these rumors, adding to the excitement surrounding the reunion. This unique gathering allowed fans to experience the band’s music in a personal setting, which only intensified the anticipation.

According to Setlist.fm, the band performed an impressive eight songs during this special event, including an undisclosed track that intrigued fans. Additionally, they played two songs from their 2017 album Science Fiction for the first time ever—namely, “Waste” and “Batter Up”—alongside several covers that delighted the audience.

Reflecting on Brand New’s Split in Late 2017

Before this recent performance, Brand New’s last documented concert on Setlist.fm took place on October 29, 2017, in Dallas, Texas. Although the band had initially planned to disband in 2018, the situation took a serious turn when frontman Jesse Lacey faced allegations of sexual misconduct shortly after their last show in the fall of 2017. These allegations cast a long shadow over the band’s legacy and led to a prolonged hiatus.

In response to the accusations, Lacey took to social media to issue an apology, acknowledging his past behavior and the pain he caused others. He revealed that he had struggled with sex addiction from a young age, which contributed to his actions. His heartfelt message emphasized his regret for mistreating individuals and failing to respect the boundaries expected of him.

For those interested, you can read the full statement at this location.

Charitable Purpose Behind the Secret Show

According to Lambgoat, Lacey and Brand New might have performed a similar secret show earlier in 2023, although it remains unlisted on Setlist.fm. There is some ambiguity surrounding whether that performance was a solo act by Lacey or involved the full band, with reports suggesting that a solo show did take place. Fans are left speculating whether this recent performance indicates a full-fledged comeback for the band.

Attendees of the concert reported that the event had a charitable aspect, primarily aimed at raising funds for causes close to Lacey’s family, especially following the tragic loss of his stepson, Miles, in early 2022.

Maintaining Privacy: The No-Phones Policy at the Concert

Despite the venue’s strict no-phones policy implemented during the show, some photos and videos managed to leak online, creating an air of mystery. A sound engineer named Phil Gornell shared a snapshot on his Instagram story, featuring stage equipment alongside the account @notweetbrandnew and the band’s song “Jude Law And A Semester Abroad” playing in the background, which ignited speculation among fans.

Additional photos confirmed that the original lineup of Brand New was present, consisting of Lacey, guitarist Vincent Accardi, drummer Brian Lane, and bassist Garrett Tierney, which thrilled long-time fans of the band.

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Insights from Attendees of the Memorable Show

A Reddit user who claimed to be at the concert shared their experience, cautioning others not to expect a full tour from the band. They emphasized that the event was deeply personal and emotional, aimed at raising funds for charities significant to Lacey’s family. This sentiment reflects the intimate nature of the reunion.

Another fan commented on the thread, suggesting that while this event might be seen as a private friends and family gathering, the simultaneous updates to their streaming profiles were peculiar. Notably, Brand New’s 2003 release The Holiday EP was added to streaming services for the first time, raising questions about the band’s future.

The original poster, who claimed they were invited due to connections in the music industry, later expressed that “the vibe was great,” and the band appeared to genuinely enjoy performing at the show.

“There were many friends on stage beyond just the band. They played Christmas songs, engaged in light-hearted banter, and primarily performed the music they wanted to share. My takeaway is that life can be incredibly challenging and often disrupts our best intentions,” they elaborated, providing insight into the atmosphere of the event.

“The Nashville community clearly rallied around Jesse and his family, as evidenced by the supportive shouts throughout the night. While it’s uncertain what this means for Brand New, it’s evident that Jesse is eager to continue making music,” they concluded.