Mayday Parade Tease Final Chapter of 20th Anniversary Trilogy Series
- Jaimie Cubitt
- May 6
- 3 min read
Pop-punk mainstays Mayday Parade are kicking off May in fitting fashion with the release of their brand-new single, “Blame It On The Youth.” The track serves as the first glimpse into the third and final installment of the band’s ambitious three-part album trilogy, created in celebration of their 20th anniversary.
The trilogy follows the releases of Sweet and Sad in 2025 and marks a significant milestone for the band, as it also represents their first fully independent releases since their beloved 2006 debut EP, Tales Told By Dead Friends. Originally self-released and famously sold by hand in parking lots during early Vans Warped Tour dates, the EP would eventually sell more than 50,000 copies and help launch one of the most influential careers in modern emo and pop-punk.
With “Blame It On The Youth,” the band taps into the nostalgic energy and carefree spirit that first connected them with fans nearly two decades ago. Driven by soaring hooks, massive singalong choruses, and emotionally charged lyrics, the song feels both classic and refreshed — a reminder of why Mayday Parade continues to resonate with audiences across generations.
Built around an initial chorus idea from drummer Jake Bundrick, the song quickly evolved into a deeply collaborative effort among all members of the band. Guitarist Brooks Betts reflected on the creative process, sharing:
“Jake came in with this amazing song that we were all drawn to. We knew instantly it was important to get the track right, but we really just had a solid chorus and loose verse melodies, so the band quickly got to work constructing multiple versions of lyrics to finish the track. We worked together in a way that was truly collaborative and with the process feel we created something we are all super proud of.”
Released fittingly on May Day, the single signals the beginning of a new era for the band while also celebrating the journey that brought them here. The accompanying music video captures the song’s youthful energy and emotional urgency, pairing nostalgic visuals with the band’s signature cinematic style.
Over the course of their career, Mayday Parade has amassed more than 1.43 billion global streams, earned multiple gold and platinum certifications, and built a catalog that helped define the sound of modern emo, pop-punk, and alternative rock. Even twenty years into their career, the band continues to evolve while maintaining the heartfelt songwriting and explosive live performances fans have come to expect.
The release of “Blame It On The Youth” arrives amid an already massive touring schedule for 2026. The band is set to appear at several major festivals throughout the year including Welcome to Rockville, Sonic Temple Festival, Vans Warped Tour, and Aftershock Festival, alongside a run of headline and special guest appearances across North America.
Upcoming Tour Dates
May 7 — Daytona Beach, FL @ Welcome to Rockville
May 9 — Syracuse, NY @ Food Truck Battle
May 16 — Columbus, OH @ Sonic Temple Festival
May 17 — Chicago, IL @ Chicago Cubs Budweiser Concert Series @ Gallagher Way
May 29 — Philadelphia, PA @ Stateside Live! *
July 17 — Turlock, CA @ Stanislaus County Fair
July 18 — Highland, CA @ Yaamava’ Pool
July 26 — Long Beach, CA @ Vans Warped Tour
August 8 — Las Vegas, NV @ Fremont Street Experience
August 22 — Montreal, QC @ Vans Warped Tour
September 12 — Mexico City, MX @ Vans Warped Tour
October 1 — Sacramento, CA @ Aftershock Festival
January 22–26, 2027 — Miami, FL @ Emo’s Not Dead Cruise ^
* with Taking Back Sunday^ with Yellowcard
