Good Charlotte is making their highly anticipated return this year with brand-new music. Benji Madden and Joel Madden take a trip down memory lane and share some of the spots that helped shape the band and inspired their reunion and new music.
Less“[Much of our origin story traces back to Southern Maryland where we grew up and started making music.] Gilbert Run Park is one of those places that means a lot to us. It’s where we would go to skip school and hang out. We played here often as kids. We had a signing party here when we signed our first record deal with Epic Records. Can you believe we made [our new label] drive all the way down here to celebrate with our friends and family!?”
"This was the Walls Bakery in Waldorf. There was a big Native American tipi sign that was neon, and it lit up at night. The whole aesthetic was seared into our memories and inspired many little Easter eggs throughout our career.”
“We used to walk over to Cooksey’s to use the pay phone to call a friend who had a car to come pick us up [from rehearsals]. It’s a great reminder that no matter how far away you feel, your dreams are within reach. Cooksey’s is a classic convenience store where can also pick up penny candy, milk, and eggs, and get gas. They would have all kinds of baked goods, and their fried chicken is legendary! Pick up a T-shirt or a souvenir while you’re at it.”
“When we left Southern Maryland and made our way up to the big cities of the DMV, there was an open mic night here that we had heard about, hosted by Jimi Haha of Jimmie’s Chicken Shack. We met Jimi one Monday night; he took a liking to us and really helped guide us in so many ways. This is a time we will never forget. We even got jobs at this bar and ended up playing countless Monday nights…and some Wednesdays…and Thursdays too…and Fridays, and well, all of the days!"
“While you’re down in Southern Maryland, make sure to do some sightseeing. Definitely get some BBQ and an ice cream at Twin Kiss [now Texas Ribs & BBQ]. This was our childhood go-to spot if we won a baseball game (or maybe if we lost). We’d always end up at Twin Kiss!”
“This is the motel that inspired Motel Du Cap, the name of our most recent album. It’s a spot near the beach that we remember driving by every day on the way to school, etched into our minds.”
“When we finally made our way to playing in NYC, this was the first real gig we got. We were one of about 15 bands that night. We thought we had made it! The show was great! It was loud, packed, and a rowdy punk crowd. It was unforgettable!” [The original club closed in 2006.]
"This is the studio where Good Charlotte, and countless other bands in the late ’90s and early 2000s, made our first records. We have some great stories about this place. It was a nice first real studio experience. It felt like we made it big time. We loved every day of it. This was where we first met Linkin Park, some of the guys from Korn, and the guys from Eve 6. We do sessions here to this day. We recorded a part of ‘I Don’t Work Here Anymore,’ which is a track on our new album.”
“It was a night here playing our beloved little sister’s wedding where the idea to make another album was born. It felt great to be together again after five years, surrounded by people we love and celebrating our little sister, whom we love so much. We played a set of hits in the bar, and we had the greatest time. When else would GC play the famed Hôtel du Cap?! Well, we did, and it was legendary. Make sure you go by sometime for an espresso or fancy brunch. It’s a spectacular place!"
“This stadium came with the Blue Crabs team in 2008. To us, it represents the idea that if you have a dream and you work hard for it, anything is possible. The crowd is always fun and friendly here. We take a lot of pride in coming from Southern Maryland. It’s a beautiful place with friendly people. We are kicking off our Motel Du Cap album launch with a listening party for friends, family, and fans at the stadium. We are happy to bring fans from around the world to our little stadium at home!”