Hold up emo fans! Did you hear? Brand New is making a comeback. After a long time away the band has announced they are doing a few reunion shows in 2025 . This news is huge for fans of the band but it is also bringing up some complicated feelings and conversations especially regarding past allegations against singer Jesse Lacey.
Brand New Reunion Shows Announced: Get Ready for Dallas Newport and Nashville
It's official Brand New is playing together again in public. They have announced three shows for March 2025. If you are in or near Texas Kentucky or Tennessee you might be in luck. Here are the dates and locations:
- March 26 Dallas TX at The Bomb Factory
- March 28 Newport KY at Megacorp Pavillion
- March 29 Nashville TN at The Pinnacle
These shows are the first public gigs for Brand New since 2017 . While they played some private events and charity shows in recent years this feels like a real return to the spotlight. No surprise fans are buzzing about this news all over social media.
Why the Comeback is Complicated: Addressing the Jesse Lacey Allegations

Now here is where things get tricky. Brand New's return is not just a simple happy reunion story. It is happening after serious sexual misconduct allegations surfaced against frontman Jesse Lacey back in 2017. These allegations led to the band becoming inactive and stepping away from the public eye.
In 2017 Lacey himself released a lengthy statement on Facebook. In it he apologized for his actions admitting to hurting and mistreating people lying and cheating. He also said he developed a sex addiction at a young age and acknowledged misusing his position of power in the band. After this statement Brand New basically disappeared from the music scene until recently.
This history is a big part of why fan reactions to the reunion are so mixed. For some the music of Brand New is deeply meaningful but Lacey's actions cast a shadow over that. The band's return is forcing fans to grapple with these difficult issues.
Fan Reactions: From Outrage to Forgiveness and Conflicted Feelings

Social media is blowing up with reactions to Brand New's reunion announcement and they are all over the place. Many fans are expressing anger and disappointment. Some feel that supporting Brand New now means ignoring or downplaying the experiences of victims of sexual misconduct.
One person on social media platform X wrote they do not think Brand New's music is "good enough to purposefully and blatantly disregard victims of pedophilia and sexual abuse". Another comment on Loudwire's website said they guess Lacey "taking advantage of underage girls" is "just not a thing anymore". Some fans are simply stating they are having a negative reaction with one saying "Finding out brand new is officially back just ruined my day."
On the other hand some fans are excited about the reunion and seem ready to welcome the band back. One fan on X said "My favorite band of all time Brand New is back!!!!! I never thought they’d get back together and this morning their site went live again and 3 new shows are available". On Reddit many comments under the reunion announcement were positive with fans saying things like "Oh my god it is real" and "This is beautiful".
Then there is a group of fans who are feeling conflicted. They love Brand New's music it is a big part of their lives but they are also aware of the allegations. One commenter simply said "Brand New is back. Weird." Another asked "Is this a safe space? Brand New reunited and touring again!" These reactions show the complex emotions many fans are experiencing trying to reconcile their love for the music with the serious issues surrounding the singer.
What Does This Mean for Brand New's Future?

It is hard to say what happens next for Brand New. These reunion shows could be a one-off thing or they could be the start of a longer-term comeback. The band has not released new music since their album Science Fiction in 2017 and there is no word yet on whether that will change.
For now fans are left to grapple with the news and decide for themselves how they feel about Brand New's return. The conversation is happening online in comment sections on social media and among friends. It's a reminder that sometimes things are not black and white and that music and art can be complicated especially when real-world issues and allegations are involved.
Brand New Reunion Shows - Dates and Locations:

- March 26 2025 - Dallas TX - The Bomb Factory
- March 28 2025 - Newport KY - Megacorp Pavillion
- March 29 2025 - Nashville TN - The Pinnacle