The Neighbourhood is back. On Friday, the band shared an Instagram Story post announcing that the group — including drummer Brandon Fried — reunited in November 2024 following a three-year hiatus. The members are now ready to share their “next chapter” with fans.
“In November 2021, after 10 years together, The Neighbourhood went on an indefinite hiatus,” the band wrote. “As we entered our early 30s, we were faced with life outside of the band for the first time in our adult lives. Breakups, family struggles, and personal challenges.”
The band — which originally comprised vocalist Jesse Rutherford, guitarists Zachary Abels and Jeremiah Freedman, bassist Michael Margott, and Fried — also added that the drummer will be returning to the band after he was kicked out for groping the Marías’ Maria Zardoya in late 2022.
At the time, Zardoya alleged that Fried had groped her under a table and called him a “complete creep.” The Neighbourhood acted swiftly and booted him from the band. Fried admitted to his actions and publicly apologized to Zardoya saying it was a “reflection of who I become while under the influence.” He promised to seek help.
“In November 2022, it became evident that Brandon’s struggles with substance abuse needed immediate attention, and we agreed it was best for him to step away and focus on his recovery,” the band wrote in their statement. “To those who spoke up and helped bring this to light, thank you. Your courage helped us get our friend the support he needed.”
The band added: “We are proud of Brandon, the changes he has made, and the progress he continues to make in his life. Being in each other’s lives for over 20 years, when one of us is going through something, it impacts all of us.”
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The Neighbourhood also shared that the group had “reunited in the studio” in November 2024, and teased their official return. “Thank you to everyone who kept the music alive while we were away,” the band wrote. “We couldn’t feel more honored to do what we do and can’t wait to share this next chapter with you.”
The band’s last release before the hiatus was Chip Chrome & The Mono-Tones in September 2020. Since then, Rutherford released a pair of albums, 2023’s &ONE and 2024’s Jesse®.
