What Happened to The Neighbourhood?

The Neighbourhood, often abbreviated as The NBHD, formed in Newbury Park, California, in August 2011, quickly establishing a distinctive sound that blended alternative rock with elements of indie rock, pop, electronic, and R&B. Comprising vocalist Jesse Rutherford, guitarists Jeremy Freedman and Zach Abels, bassist Mikey Margott, and drummer Bryan Sammis (later Brandon Fried), the band gained significant traction with their early singles "Female Robbery" and the breakout hit "Sweater Weather" in 2012. Their debut studio album, "I Love You.", released in April 2013, solidified their moody, atmospheric aesthetic and saw "Sweater Weather" peak at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100, later experiencing a resurgence in popularity on radio and streaming platforms in the early 2020s.

Following their successful debut, The Neighbourhood continued to evolve their sound. They released the mixtape "#000000 & #FFFFFF" in 2014 and their second studio album, "Wiped Out!", in October 2015, which featured popular tracks like "Daddy Issues." Subsequent releases included their self-titled third album "The Neighbourhood" in March 2018, and "Chip Chrome & the Mono-Tones" in September 2020, which saw frontman Jesse Rutherford adopt an alter-ego inspired by David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust. The band maintained a consistent touring schedule, building a dedicated global fanbase throughout these years.

In February 2022, The Neighbourhood announced an indefinite hiatus, citing personal challenges and the need for members to navigate life outside the band. This period was marked by a significant controversy in November 2022 when drummer Brandon Fried was accused of sexual misconduct by María Zardoya of The Marías. The band promptly announced Fried's dismissal, stating a zero-tolerance policy for such behavior. During the hiatus, lead singer Jesse Rutherford pursued a solo career, releasing albums like "&ONE" (2023) and "Jesse®" (2024), further fueling speculation about the band's future.

However, in a surprising turn of events, the band reunited in the studio in November 2024. In August 2025, The Neighbourhood officially announced their return to music, confirming that Brandon Fried had rejoined the band after addressing his substance abuse issues. This decision sparked mixed reactions among fans, with some expressing disappointment over Fried's reinstatement despite his apology and the band's explanation of his recovery journey.

Their comeback culminated in the release of their fifth studio album, "(((((ultraSOUND)))))", on November 14, 2025, preceded by singles like "OMG," "Lovebomb," and "Private." The album was described as a return to the band's roots, focusing on raw emotion and refined sound. As of April 2026, The Neighbourhood is actively engaged in their global "The Wourld Tour," which commenced on March 28, 2026, with dates spanning North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. This tour supports their new album and celebrates their return to the music scene, showcasing their enduring appeal and artistic resilience.