Phoenix Honors Hometown Heroes Jimmy Eat World with Proclamation

The city of Phoenix, Arizona has officially declared October 17th as "Jimmy Eat World Day," honoring the local music legends for their three-decade-long impact on the industry and their community. Mayor Kate Gallego presented the band with a proclamation, praising them for "building this city" and being "a force in the music industry" through their 10 acclaimed albums.

Celebrating Decades of Musical Excellence and Community Impact

Hometown Heroes Recognized for Their Lasting Legacy

The proclamation from Mayor Gallego highlighted Jimmy Eat World's impressive 30-year career, during which they have consistently advocated for the local music scene and business community while also supporting various nonprofits through their talents and philanthropy. The band members, who have been friends since preschool, were praised for their ability to break out of the local scene and achieve international recognition, all while maintaining their roots in Arizona.

Reflecting on the Early Days and Unexpected Success

In accepting the honor, lead singer and guitarist Jim Adkins expressed his surprise and gratitude, noting that when the band was starting out, it was rare for a local group to draw more than 1,000 people to a show, let alone achieve the level of success they have enjoyed. Drummer Zach Lind echoed these sentiments, thanking the band's "first group of fans" who supported them in the early days and helped propel them forward.

Revisiting Landmark Albums and Celebrating Milestones

The proclamation coincided with Jimmy Eat World's plans to mark the 20th anniversary of their acclaimed album "Futures" by performing it in its entirety at a sold-out show at The Van Buren. The band is also celebrating the fifth anniversary of their 10th album, "Surviving," with the release of limited-edition vinyl versions of "Futures: Phoenix Sessions (Chapter V)" and "Surviving: Phoenix Sessions (Chapter X)." Additionally, they recently honored the 25th anniversary of their seminal album "Clarity" with the release of "Clarity: Phoenix Sessions (Chapter III)."

Anticipating the When We Were Young Festival Appearance

As the band prepares to take the stage at the highly anticipated When We Were Young festival in Las Vegas, bassist Rick Burch shared that the upcoming performances have reminded him of the band's formative years and the early fans who supported them. The band is set to perform their breakthrough album "Bleed American" in its entirety at the festival, further cementing their legacy as one of the most influential and enduring acts in the emo and alternative rock genres.

A Lasting Impact on the Local and Global Music Scenes

Throughout their three-decade career, Jimmy Eat World has consistently demonstrated their commitment to the local music community, while also achieving international recognition and acclaim. The proclamation from the city of Phoenix serves as a testament to the band's enduring impact and the indelible mark they have left on the music industry and their hometown. As they continue to celebrate their milestones and connect with their devoted fanbase, Jimmy Eat World's legacy as a true force in the world of rock music is firmly cemented.