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A Day to Remember hails from the city of Ocala, Florida. They were founded in 2003 by guitarist Tom Denney and drummer Bobby Scruggs. What began as a local group quickly evolved into a pioneering force in the music scene, known for their innovative fusion of metalcore and pop punk. Over their two-decade career, the band has released eight studio albums, including their 2005 debut “And Their Name Was Treason,” the breakthrough “Homesick” (2009), and their most recent release “Big Ole Album Vol. 1” in 2025.
The band has experienced several lineup changes throughout their history, with founding vocalist Jeremy McKinnon and rhythm guitarist Neil Westfall remaining constant members since formation. Their journey from self-released EPs to major chart success includes multiple Billboard achievements, with albums like “Homesick” reaching number one on the Independent Albums chart and singles like “Paranoia” topping the US Hard Rock charts in 2016.
Through legal battles with Victory Records, extensive worldwide touring, and the creation of their own Self Help Festival, A Day to Remember has built a dedicated global fanbase while maintaining their distinctive sound that bridges heavy breakdowns with catchy melodies. Their innovative approach to blending genres has established them as influential figures in both the metalcore and pop punk scenes.
Jeremy McKinnon
Jeremy McKinnon, born December 17, 1985, is a founding member and lead vocalist of A Day to Remember. Growing up in Ocala, Florida with two sisters, McKinnon’s musical journey began when he discovered his passion for music through friends’ bands. Before A Day to Remember, he played in a ska band called All for Nothing, then joined forces with Tom Denney and Bobby Scruggs in 2003 to form what would become one of the most influential bands in the metalcore/pop punk scene.
McKinnon has been the voice of A Day to Remember on all eight studio albums, from “And Their Name Was Treason” (2005) through to “Big Ole Album Vol. 1” (2025). His distinctive vocal style, seamlessly transitioning between melodic singing and aggressive screams, has become a hallmark of the band’s sound. As the band’s primary lyricist, his writing often explores themes of friendship, perseverance, and personal growth, connecting deeply with fans through relatable content and emotional depth.
Beyond his work with A Day to Remember, McKinnon has established himself as a respected producer in the industry, working with bands such as The Ghost Inside, Neck Deep, and Wage War on their full-length albums. In 2014, he partnered with bassist Joshua Woodard to form Running Man Records, a label created in collaboration with Epitaph Records. McKinnon has also ventured into collaborative projects outside the band, including providing vocals for the League of Legends Worlds 2020 competition theme “Take Over” alongside MAX and Henry, showcasing his versatility and influence beyond his main band.
Neil Westfall
Neil Westfall has been A Day to Remember’s rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist since the band’s formation in 2003. A native of the Ocala music scene, Westfall joined forces with Jeremy McKinnon, Tom Denney, Joshua Woodard, and Bobby Scruggs to create what would become one of the most influential bands in the metalcore and pop punk fusion genre. His consistent presence has provided stability through the band’s multiple lineup changes over their two-decade career.
Westfall has contributed to all of A Day to Remember’s eight studio albums, from “And Their Name Was Treason” (2005) to “Big Ole Album Vol. 1” (2025). His rhythm guitar work forms the backbone of the band’s distinctive sound, bridging the gap between heavy breakdowns and melodic passages. In 2009, Westfall had to undergo surgery, causing the band to cancel their appearance at the Reading & Leeds Festival that year, but he returned to continue touring and recording with the group afterward.
Beyond performing, Westfall has been actively involved in the band’s creative direction and business decisions. In a 2015 interview with Ultimate Guitar, he discussed the band’s early influences and his approach to developing his signature guitar tone. Westfall has become known for his preference for ESP guitars, eventually developing his own signature model, the LTD NW-44, which features set-thru construction, block inlays, and a single Bare Knuckle Aftermath pickup. When not touring with A Day to Remember, Westfall has embraced streaming on Twitch, sharing his gaming sessions and musical insights with fans.
Alex Shelnutt
Alex Shelnutt joined A Day to Remember as their drummer in 2006 at the remarkably young age of 15, replacing Bobby Scruggs after the band’s debut album. When offered the position, Shelnutt famously had to ask his mother for permission first, who thankfully supported his musical pursuits despite the extensive touring required. His addition to the lineup coincided with the band’s signing to Victory Records, marking the beginning of their rise to prominence.
Shelnutt’s drumming can be heard on seven of the band’s eight studio albums, starting with “For Those Who Have Heart” (2007) and continuing through “Homesick” (2009), “What Separates Me from You” (2010), “Common Courtesy” (2013), “Bad Vibrations” (2016), “You’re Welcome” (2021), and “Big Ole Album Vol. 1” (2025). As a self-taught drummer, Shelnutt has consistently emphasized the importance of being “solid” as a drummer rather than flashy, focusing on serving the song rather than showcasing technical skills for their own sake.
Outside of A Day to Remember, Shelnutt has explored side projects including a band called Rat Javelin with his friend Max, recording demos with Roger Lima from Less Than Jake at Moathouse Studio. Throughout his career, he has cited Travis Barker as his main influence who inspired him to start playing drums, while also drawing inspiration from Mark Castillo of Bury Your Dead for his double bass technique. As his skills have evolved, Shelnutt has become known for his powerful and precise playing style, earning endorsements from companies like SJC Drums and Remo.
Kevin Skaff
Kevin Skaff joined A Day to Remember in 2009 as their lead guitarist and backing vocalist, replacing founding member Tom Denney who left to focus on his marriage, family, and career as a music producer. Skaff’s entry into the band came at a pivotal moment, as he initially filled in temporarily when Denney broke his wrist during the tour supporting the “Homesick” album, before becoming a permanent member of the lineup.
Since joining the band, Skaff has performed on five of A Day to Remember’s studio albums: “What Separates Me from You” (2010), “Common Courtesy” (2013), “Bad Vibrations” (2016), “You’re Welcome” (2021), and “Big Ole Album Vol. 1” (2025). His lead guitar work has been integral to the band’s evolving sound, bringing technical skill and melodic sensibility to their metalcore and pop punk fusion. Prior to joining A Day to Remember, Skaff was a member of the post-hardcore band Four Letter Lie, giving him valuable experience in the scene.
Beyond his contributions to A Day to Remember, Skaff gained attention for his brief engagement to WWE star Paige before they separated in 2016. In January 2012, Skaff shared that the band would be recording after completing their tour in early May of that year, with hopes of completing their new album by August—this would eventually become “Common Courtesy,” which was released in 2013 after delays caused by the band’s legal dispute with Victory Records.
Joshua Woodard
Joshua Woodard served as A Day to Remember’s bassist from the band’s formation in 2003 until his departure in 2021, with a brief absence in 2004. As one of the founding members alongside Jeremy McKinnon, Neil Westfall, Tom Denney, and Bobby Scruggs, Woodard was instrumental in establishing the band’s presence in the Ocala, Florida music scene before their rise to international recognition.
During his 18-year tenure with the band, Woodard performed on seven of A Day to Remember’s eight studio albums: “And Their Name Was Treason” (2005), “For Those Who Have Heart” (2007), “Homesick” (2009), “What Separates Me from You” (2010), “Common Courtesy” (2013), “Bad Vibrations” (2016), and “You’re Welcome” (2021). His bass playing provided the foundation for the band’s distinctive blend of metalcore aggression and pop punk melody. Beyond performing, Woodard played a key role in the band’s business development, notably helping secure their contract with Victory Records after communicating with a label representative through AIM.
In collaboration with vocalist Jeremy McKinnon, Woodard co-founded Running Man Records, a label partnership with Epitaph Records. This venture demonstrated his entrepreneurial interests within the music industry. Woodard left A Day to Remember in October 2021 following allegations of past sexual misconduct from 2020, which he denied. The announcement came shortly after information surfaced about his involvement in a 2017 car accident that resulted in a fatality.
Tom Denney
Tom Denney co-founded A Day to Remember in 2003 alongside drummer Bobby Scruggs, creating what would become one of the most influential bands in the metalcore and pop punk fusion genre. As the original lead guitarist and backing vocalist, Denney was instrumental in establishing the band’s distinctive sound during their formative years in Ocala, Florida, where all the members had previously played in different local bands.
Denney performed on the band’s first three studio albums: “And Their Name Was Treason” (2005), “For Those Who Have Heart” (2007), and “Homesick” (2009). His guitar work helped define A Day to Remember’s early sound, blending heavy breakdowns with melodic passages that would become their signature style. In June 2009, during the tour supporting “Homesick,” Denney broke his wrist and was temporarily replaced by Kevin Skaff of Four Letter Lie. This injury coincided with his decision to leave the band permanently to focus on his marriage, family, and career as a music producer.
Despite leaving as a performing member, Denney maintained his connection with A Day to Remember as a session musician and continued to contribute to the band’s songwriting process. His ongoing involvement demonstrated the amicable nature of his departure and his continued belief in the band’s creative direction. Beyond A Day to Remember, Denney has established himself as a respected producer in the music scene, working with various bands and helping shape the sound of the next generation of artists in the genre.
Bobby Scruggs
Bobby Scruggs co-founded A Day to Remember in 2003 alongside guitarist Tom Denney, laying the groundwork for what would become one of the most influential bands in the metalcore and pop punk fusion scene. As the band’s original drummer, Scruggs played a crucial role in their early development as they built their reputation in the Ocala, Florida music scene, where all the founding members had previously played in different local bands.
Scruggs’ drumming appears on the band’s debut album, “And Their Name Was Treason,” released in 2005 through Indianola Records. The album sold over 8,000 copies through word-of-mouth alone, an impressive feat for an independent release that demonstrated the band’s growing popularity. His tenure with A Day to Remember had a brief interruption in 2004 when Brandon Roberts briefly took over drumming duties, but Scruggs returned to complete the band’s first full-length record.
In 2006, Scruggs departed from A Day to Remember and was replaced by Alex Shelnutt, who was only 15 years old at the time. This transition coincided with the band signing to Victory Records and recording their second album, “For Those Who Have Heart” (2007). After leaving A Day to Remember, Scruggs has maintained a lower profile in the music industry compared to his former bandmates, but his contributions to the founding and early sound of the band remain an important part of their history.
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