The Neighbourhood returns following Brandon Fried’s groping incident.

The Neighborhood Reunites After Three Years of Drummer’s Departure

The rock band The Neighborhood has announced a reunion, three years after parting ways with drummer Brandon Fried. They shared the news on their Instagram Stories on August 29, revealing that Fried is rejoining the band after facing accusations related to inappropriate behavior towards singer Maria Zardoya in 2022.

The members, including lead vocalist Jesse Rutherford, guitarists Jeremy Friedman and Zach Abels, along with bassist Mikey Margot, reflected on their time apart in their posts, mentioning Fried’s focus on recovery.

“In November 2021, after a decade together, we decided to take an indefinite break,” they stated. “As we entered our early 30s, we needed to navigate personal challenges and life outside the band, like breakups and family struggles.”

In November 2022, they acknowledged that Fried’s battle with substance abuse required immediate attention, leading to his departure from the band so he could prioritize his recovery.

The group expressed their gratitude towards those who supported them during this time, emphasizing that the conversations helped them deal with Fried’s situation. “Your courage has been vital for us,” they noted.

They also shared their ongoing support for Fried, appreciating the progress he has made since his struggles began. “Having been in each other’s lives for over 20 years, we feel the impact when one of us is facing difficulties,” the band added.

Three years ago, Zardoya accused Fried of inappropriate behavior at a bar. She described the experience as uncomfortable and later suggested that the band find another drummer, stating he was “a total creep.”

Shortly after her allegations, The Neighborhood confirmed Fried’s exit, responding by thanking Zardoya for her bravery and reiterating their zero-tolerance policy towards inappropriate actions against women. They publicly dismissed Fried from the band following his actions.

In light of those events, Fried also addressed the claims on his Instagram, apologizing to Zardoya while admitting his behavior was unacceptable and didn’t reflect his true character. He emphasized the need for help regarding his substance issues and expressed remorse for disappointing fans and fellow band members.

Recently, The Neighborhood informed fans that all five original members had rejoined in the studio, marking a tremendous step forward in November 2024.

Concluding their announcement, the band thanked fans for keeping their music alive during the hiatus and expressed excitement for this new chapter. They validated the significance of their journey and what lies ahead.