Taking Back Sunday Surprise Long-Time Fans On Their Wedding Day

October 31, 2023

Newlyweds Sammi and Adam Seman Get The Surprise of a Lifetime — WATCH

For Taking Back Sunday and two of their massive fans Sammi and Adam Seman, Friday, October 27, 2023, was a day they'll never forget.

The venerable rock band celebrated the release of their long-awaited new album 152 in a very special way, stunning the shocked newlyweds with a surprise performance before astonished family and friends at Trout Lake in Stroudsburg, PA.

It all started when the bride sent a DM to the band on August 30.

Touched by Sammi's message and inspired by the serendipitous timing, the band decided to hand-deliver a copy of their new album and make their big day even more unforgettable.

Watch as Taking Back Sunday make their surprise entrance and dedicate two fitting songs from the new album to the happy couple: "The One" and "I Am the Only One Who Knows You" HERE.

Huge thanks to the Maid of Honor, Amanda Lipowski, who helped make it happen under a shroud of maximum secrecy.

Sammi Seman on her special day and the big surprise:
"I knew my cousin and maid of honor, Amanda, had a surprise for me. Right before, my matron of honor, Shelby, tells me three of the groomsmen would be singing us a song. So, Amanda gets to the mic and announces the band Taking Back Sunday. Adam and I look at each other and say, 'Yeah, right' but then TBS actually walks in! And obviously, our reactions say it all. We were in shock and disbelief; we just couldn't believe they were actually here at our wedding singing two songs off their new album. They were amazing, as always, and so so nice. Adam even gave us some relationship advice! It was the perfect surprise to an already perfect day. They gave us flowers and their new record with a special message to us. It’s just so unbelievable and I believe Adam described it perfectly when he yelled, 'What is my life right now?!' Thank you, thank you, thank you, to everyone who had a hand in this, you truly made our wedding unforgettable."

Taking Back Sunday reflect on the wedding crash and how it came together:
"When we announced the release date of our new album 152, we received a very nice message on social media from the bride Sammi. She told us that she and her fiancé Adam were long time fans of our band and that their wedding was planned on the same day as our record release and how happy that made her. As luck would have it, we had planned tour rehearsals at a spot only two hours away from their wedding the very same week as the release and the wedding!

"Through some careful, secretive planning with our manager Jillian and the maid of honor Amanda we crashed the wedding. We arrived under the cover of night during speeches from the bride and groom’s friends and family and were whisked away into a room anxiously awaiting our introduction.

" We entered the beautiful reception room to loud cheers and could feel the love! We greeted Adam and Sammi with flowers, warm hugs, and a copy of our new album. Adam, John, and Nathan performed 'I Am the Only One Who Knows You,' and 'The One,' our two most complete love songs. The bride and groom sang and danced along. We took photos and said our goodbyes. It was truly a beautiful night and we're grateful we got to play a small part in it. We wish Sammi and Adam a long, happy, healthy life together filled with love and laughter. Thank you for having us!!!"

World-wide acclaim for 152 has been building for weeks. Kerrang!, who scored the album 4 out of 5, proclaimed, "It might just be the best album of their career." The Aquarian added, "Taking Back Sunday has returned with not only their first new music in seven years but also their most unique and most outstanding record to date," while Outburn affirmed, "Taking Back Sunday has taken those experiences and created a deeply evocative record and an earworm of tunes that have cemented the band’s place back on top once again." – 9 out of 10

Produced by Tushar Apte (whom the band met through a mutual collaboration with noted DJ Steve Aoki) and mixed by Neal Avron (Twenty One Pilots, Bleachers), 152 features 10 intensely vulnerable and absorbing new tracks all delivered with fresh ambition and newfound purpose. For Taking Back Sunday: John Nolan (lead guitar, piano, vocals), Adam Lazzara (lead vocals), Shaun Cooper (bass) and Mark O’Connell (drums), 152 stands among the most genuinely reflective and emotionally pure efforts of their illustrious career. Throughout 152, the consistent thread is one of generosity, gratitude and ultimately, hope. Listen/buy 152, HERE.

FROM L TO R:
Taking Back Sunday's Adam Lazzara, Sammi Seman (Bride), Taking Back Sunday touring member Nathan Cogan, Taking Back Sunday’s Shaun Cooper, Adam Seman (Groom), Taking Back Sunday's John Nolan

Photo Credit: Seman Wedding

TAKING BACK SUNDAY ON TOUR:
11/2 – Los Angeles, CA — iHeart Radio Album Listening Party Livestream — Live Show + Interview
11/6 — Los Angeles, CA – Lodge Room (Album Release Show)
11/9 — Nashville, TN – Eastside Bowl (Album Release Show)
11/13 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom (Album Release Show)
11/29 – Melbourne, Australia – 170 Russell
12/1 — Melbourne, Australia — Good Things Festival 2023
12/2 — Sydney, Australia — Good Things Festival 2023
12/3 — Brisbane, Australia — Good Things Festival 2023
12/5 — Woolloongabba, Australia – The Princess Theatre
12/6 – Marrickville, Australia – Factory Theatre
12/13 – Wantagh, NY – Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall (Holiday Spectacular)
12/14 – Wantagh, NY – Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall (Holiday Spectacular)
12/15 – Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom (Holiday Spectacular)
12/16 – Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom (Holiday Spectacular)

Taking Back Sunday Share New Single "Keep Going"

October 26, 2023

FINAL PREVIEW TRACK FROM THEIR NEW ALBUM 152, DUE THIS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27 VIA FANTASY

Taking Back Sunday — John Nolan (lead guitar, piano, vocals), Adam Lazzara (lead vocals), Shaun Cooper (bass), and Mark O'Connell (drums) — have shared "Keep Going," the fourth and final preview track from their upcoming new album 152, due Friday, October 27 via Fantasy. Reflecting the darkness in betrayal and the light of forgiveness, the percussive, quick-hitting rocker arrives just days ahead of the band's long-awaited LP 152, Taking Back Sundsy's first full-length album in seven years.

Listen to "Keep Going," below and pre-order 152, HERE.

O'Connell says,"'Keep Going' is a song about struggling through relationships with the people you love. When it rains, it pours, but you've got to get up and keep going. It's a heavy song with an important message that fits the inclusive positivity of 152."

In addition, Taking Back Sunday will celebrate the release of 152, with series of intimate album release shows, promotional events, and in-store appearances, all of which sold-out in a matter of minutes including: Fingerprints in-Store (Long Beach, CA) November 4; Lodge Room album release show (Los Angeles) November 6; Grimey's in-store (Nashville) November 8; Eastside Bowl album release show (Nashville) November 9; Looney Tunes in-store (New York) November 12; and Bowery Ballroom album release show (NYC) November 13.

The band also recently announced the 9th Annual Taking Back Sunday Holiday Spectacular at Mulcahy's Pub and Concert Hall in Wantagh, NY December 13 and 14, and Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, NJ on December 15 and 16. Tickets are on sale now. For more information, visit here. Look for exciting 2024 tour news to be announced soon.

Produced by Tushar Apte (whom the band met through a mutual collaboration with noted DJ Steve Aoki) and mixed by Neal Avron (Twenty One Pilots, Bleachers), 152 features 10 intensely vulnerable and absorbing new tracks all delivered with fresh ambition and newfound purpose. Inspired by the long layoff and the cloud of uncertainty that blanketed the world (and music industry) these past few years, 152 stands among the most genuinely reflective and emotionally pure efforts of Taking Back Sunday's illustrious career.

Anticipation among fans for the new album continues to build. Previously released tracks, (along with “Keep Going”) include "The One," "S'old," and "Amphetamine Smiles." All through 152, the consistent thread is one of generosity, gratitude, and ultimately, hope.

TAKING BACK SUNDAY ON TOUR:
11/6 — Los Angeles, CA – Lodge Room (Album Release Show)
11/9 — Nashville, TN – Eastside Bowl (Album Release Show)
11/13 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom (Album Release Show)
12/1 — Melbourne, Australia — Good Things Festival 2023
12/2 — Sydney, Australia — Good Things Festival 2023
12/3 — Brisbane, Australia — Good Things Festival 2023
12/5 – Woolloongabba, Australia – The Princess Theatre
12/6 – Marrickville, Australia – Factory Theatre
12/13 – Wantagh, NY – Mulcahy's Pub and Concert Hall (Holiday Spectacular)
12/14 – Wantagh, NY – Mulcahy's Pub and Concert Hall (Holiday Spectacular)
12/15 – Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom (Holiday Spectacular)
12/16 – Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom (Holiday Spectacular)

Taking Back Sunday Share New Single "Amphetamine Smiles" — WATCH + LISTEN

September 28, 2023

SPECIAL ALBUM RELEASE SHOWS ANNOUNCED

Taking Back Sunday — John Nolan (lead guitar, piano, vocals), Adam Lazzara (lead vocals), Shaun Cooper (bass), and Mark O'Connell (drums) — have shared "Amphetamine Smiles," the third preview track from their forthcoming new album 152, due October 27 via Fantasy. The new track, a passionate call for reconnection that's as much about the band themselves as it is the world at-large, exemplifies the stirring reassurance that make Taking Back Sunday so special.

Listen to "Amphetamine Smiles" below.

This morning, fans can tune-in HERE for special livestream Q&A with Taking Back Sunday at 8:45AM PT/11:45AM ET, 15-minutes prior to the worldwide premiere of the "Amphetamine Smiles" official video at 9:00AM PT/12PM/Noon ET.

"You could document the writing, arranging, and recording of 'Amphetamine Smiles,' but there's no way to explain how it came together," said Nolan. "It's the product of some kind of magic."

To celebrate the release of 152, the band's first album in seven years, Taking Back Sunday announced a series of special, intimate album release shows: November 6 at Lodge Room in Los Angeles; November 9 at Eastside Bowl in Nashville; and November 13 at Bowery Ballroom in NYC. On-sale begins Friday, September 29 at 10:00AM local time.

For more information, visit here.

In addition, the band also announced the ninth Annual Taking Back Sunday Holiday Spectacular at Mulcahy's Pub and Concert Hall in Wantagh, NY on December 13 and 14, and Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, NJ on December 15 and 16. Tickets are on sale now.

Produced by Tushar Apte (whom the band met through a mutual collaboration with noted DJ Steve Aoki) and mixed by Neal Avron (Twenty One Pilots, Bleachers), 152, the long-awaited LP features, 10 intensely vulnerable and absorbing new tracks all delivered with fresh ambition and newfound purpose. Inspired by the long layoff and the cloud of uncertainty that blanketed the world (and music industry) these past few years, 152 stands among the most genuinely reflective and emotionally pure efforts of Taking Back Sunday's illustrious career. Pre-order 152 HERE.

From the album's intricate riffs and anthemic vocals to its elegantly warm synths and economical string arrangements, the quartet work-shopped these new tracks like never before. Previously released single "S'old," struggles with the obligations of adult responsibility and acceptance, while "The One," (also previously released) is a far-reaching anthem of love and brotherhood. "Keep Going" tracks the self-defeating darkness of betrayal, while "Quit Trying," is wrapped with "can't run from who you are" self-awareness. All through 152, the consistent thread is one of generosity, gratitude and ultimately, hope.

TAKING BACK SUNDAY ON TOUR:
9/29 — Cocoa, FL — Cocoa Riverfront Park
9/30 — Jupiter, FL — Dastoberfest
11/6 — Los Angeles, CA – Lodge Room (Album Release Show)
11/9 — Nashville, TN – Eastside Bowl (Album Release Show)
11/13 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom (Album Release Show)
12/1 — Melbourne, Australia — Good Things Festival 2023
12/2 — Sydney, Australia — Good Things Festival 2023
12/3 — Brisbane, Australia — Good Things Festival 2023
12/13 – Wantagh, NY – Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall (Holiday Spectacular)
12/14 – Wantagh, NY – Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall (Holiday Spectacular)
12/15 – Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom (Holiday Spectacular)
12/16 – Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom (Holiday Spectacular)

Taking Back Sunday Announce New Album "152" + Share New Single "S'old"

August 30, 2023

Taking Back Sunday — John Nolan (lead guitar, piano, vocals), Adam Lazzara (lead vocals), Shaun Cooper (bass), and Mark O’Connell (drums), announced their eighth studio album 152, set for release October 27 via Fantasy Records. Named for the section of road in North Carolina between Highpoint, Chapel Hill, and Raleigh where the band and their friends would meet up as teenagers ⎯ 152 is the multl-platinum selling rock band's first full-length offering since 2016's Tidal Wave. To mark the occasion, Taking Back Sunday released a brand-new track, "S'old," a fiery declaration of commitment and accountability.

Listen/watch the official video for "S'old" HERE.

Pre-order 152 HERE.

Commenting on their new album 152, Taking Back Sunday states, "'152' offers a lot more hope and light than we first realized when we were in the thick of it, putting it all together. We've been fortunate enough, through our music, to grow up with a lot of people going through the same things at the same time, and probably feeling the same way. Our hope is that you're able to find a little bit of yourself in this new collection of songs, because you're not alone, and neither are we."

Produced by Tushar Apte (whom the band met through a mutual collaboration with noted DJ Steve Aoki) and mixed by Neal Avron (Twenty One Pilots, Bleachers), the long-awaited LP features 10 intensely vulnerable and absorbing new tracks all delivered with fresh ambition and newfound purpose. Inspired by the long layoff and the cloud of uncertainty that blanketed the world (and music industry) these past few years,152 stands among the most genuinely reflective and emotionally pure efforts of Taking Back Sunday's illustrious career.

"You would think after 20 years, we knew what each other is going to do," said Lazzara. "But there were so many times making this record where I heard the initial idea and thought I knew where it would go, but then I was super surprised. It's those kinds of surprises that make it so exciting. That's why we all still want it so badly."

Added O'Connell, "When we're writing songs, the one thing we ask ourselves, 'Is it capable of making people feel something?' You try to make people feel emotion. That's the one goal we went in with, and we think we did it."

From the album's intricate riffs and anthemic vocals to its elegantly warm synths and economical string arrangements, the quartet work-shopped these new tracks like never before. That musical ambition, both musically and lyrically, is evident on the soaring album opener, "Amphetamine Smiles," a powerful tale of reconnection that is as much about the band themselves as it is the world at-large. From send-up to seriousness, Taking Back Sunday continually challenged one another, exploring musical ideas in new and exciting ways. So many of these tracks dig deep and connect on a gut level. "S'old" struggles with the obligations of adult responsibility and acceptance, (the previously released single) "The One," is a far-reaching anthem of love and brotherhood, "Keep Going," tracks the self-defeating darkness of betrayal, and "Quit Trying," drips with a 'can't run from who you are' self-awareness. All through 152, the consistent thread is one of generosity, gratitude and ultimately, hope.

Over two decades, Taking Back Sunday have cultivated a massive, dedicated fanbase built around music that reverberates with sincerity, desire, and connection. The influential, beloved rock powerhouse, originally from Long Island, NY, brought songcraft and pop sensibilities to punk's rigid conformity that expanded the genre’s contours and carried the band to new heights.

Despite the sizable gap between releases, a new generation of fans have discovered Taking Back Sunday and their enduring legacy has only grown in stature. The new album proves it was well worth the wait.

152 is Taking Back Sunday at their very best, a gripping and self-assured statement from an essential band once again at the peak of their prodigious powers.

TAKING BACK SUNDAY ON TOUR:
9/09 — Las Vegas, NV — Freemont Street Experience – (Free Show)
9/29 — Cocoa, FL — Cocoa Riverfront Park
9/30 — Jupiter, FL — Dastoberfest
12/1 — Melbourne, Australia — Good Things Festival 2023
12/2 — Sydney, Australia — Good Things Festival 2023
12/3 — Brisbane, Australia — Good Things Festival 2023
More dates will be announced soon!