The Neighbourhood has reunited three years after firing its drummer, Brandon Fried.
The rock band announced the news in a since-deleted Instagram Story on Friday, August 29, per Rolling Stone, revealing their comeback will include Fried after accusations that he groped The Marías frontwoman, María Zardoya, in 2022.
The Neighbourhood, whose other members include singer Jesse Rutherford, guitarists Jeremy Freedman and Zach Abels and bassist Mikey Margott, addressed the allegations in their comeback post and shared that Fried has since focused “on his recovery.”
“In November 2021, after 10 years together, The Neighbourhood went on an indefinite hiatus,” The group wrote, according to the outlet. “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.”
They acknowledged that 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 “Sweater Weather” band expressed gratitude for “those who spoke up” about Fried’s issues, stating, “Your courage helped us get our friend the support he needed.”
The Neighbourhood expressed their continued support for their bandmate, noting they 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,” the post continued.
Zardoya accused the drummer of unsolicited lewd behavior nearly three years ago.
“I was at a bar last night, and I was groped under the table by Brandon Fried, the drummer of the Neighbourhood. It was one of the most uncomfortable things I’ve ever experienced. I felt an invasion of my space, privacy and body,” The Marías’ lead singer wrote on her band’s Instagram account in November 2022.
She then advised The Neighbourhood, “Ya’ll need a new drummer, this guy is a complete creep.”
Hours later, the group responded to her accusations and revealed Fried’s exit.
“We are grateful to María for coming forward. We have zero tolerance for any kind of inappropriate behavior towards women. As a result of Brandon’s actions, he will no longer be a member of the Neighbourhood,” they said at the time.
The drummer also addressed Zardoya’s allegations on his personal Instagram account.
“I am so terribly sorry to María. My actions were inexcusable and intolerable. They are not reflective of who I am as a person, but clearly a reflection of who I become while under the influence,” Fried wrote.
“It is evident that I must address my problems with alcohol and substance abuse, which I am now seeking help for,” he continued. “I want to apologize to women who have been victims of any behavior that has left them feeling uncomfortable or violated. I am so sorry to the Neighbourhood and our fans for letting them down.”
In their recent Instagram post, The Neighborhood revealed all five band members “reunited in the studio” in November 2024.
“Thank you to everyone who kept the music alive while we were away,” they concluded in their comeback announcement. “We couldn’t feel more honored to do what we do and can’t wait to share this next chapter with you.”
