Forever the Sickest Kids

Forever the Sickest Kids
Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	2006
Headquarters	Dallas, United States
Products	Music albums, EPs

Forever the Sickest Kids (abbreviated as FTSK) is a pop punk group originating from Dallas, Texas, United States. Their initial record deal was with Universal Motown Records, through which they launched their debut album, Underdog Alma Mater, on April 29, 2008. Their sophomore album, titled Forever the Sickest Kids, was released on March 1, 2011. Following the closure of Universal Motown Records in 2011, the band remained without a label for more than a year before signing with Fearless Records toward the end of 2012. Their third full-length album, J.A.C.K., came out on June 25, 2013. Alternative Press honored them as the top act in their list of "22 Best Underground Bands."

2001–2006: Formation and early endeavors

From 2001 through 2004, members who would later form Forever the Sickest Kids participated in various local bands within the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Jonathan Cook and Kyle Burns were part of Good Day Josif based in Burleson; Marc Stewart and Kent Garrison played in Triumph Over Tragedy from Hurst; while Caleb Turman and Austin Bello performed with Committed in Rockwall. These bands frequently shared local performances and events; notably, Burns and Stewart are step-brothers, which enabled them to share rehearsal spaces.

After Good Day Josif and Triumph Over Tragedy disbanded in 2004, Cook, Stewart, and Burns established The Flipside alongside Chris Hill. Later on, Craig Calloway joined and Garrison replaced Hill on bass duties. The Flipside performed at local venues and independently released a self-titled EP.

Concurrently, Bello and Turman initiated an acoustic/electronic project named Been Bradley, distributing their music through MySpace without issuing formal albums or EPs.

By late 2006, both groups had dissolved, prompting Cook and Stewart to collaborate with Bello and Turman to form Forever the Sickest Kids. The ensemble consisted of Cook (lead vocals), Turman (rhythm guitar and vocals), Bello (bass guitar and vocals), Stewart (lead guitar), Burns (drums), and Garrison (keyboards). Craig Calloway did not join this lineup but later contributed guitar work for Artist vs. Poet.

2006–2009: Release of Underdog Alma Mater

Shortly after assembling Forever the Sickest Kids, Cook invested $350 to promote a track on PureVolume's front page despite no songs being composed at that time. The band quickly composed and recorded "Hey Brittany" within two days. In April 2007, they secured a contract with Universal Motown Records and launched their debut EP, Television Off, Party On, on July 3, 2007—merely four months after forming. This was followed by two more EPs: The Sickest Warped Tour EP and Hot Party Jamz. The band toured extensively across the United States and participated in the 2007 Warped Tour.

On March 18, 2008, they premiered "Whoa Oh! (Me vs. Everyone)" on MySpace, which became the lead single from their forthcoming debut album released on April 1, 2008. The accompanying music video debuted on April 10 under Shane Drake's direction. The single climbed to number 38 on the US Mainstream Top 40 chart and reached number one on Japan's Japan Hot 100 Airplay. Their first studio album, Underdog Alma Mater, was unveiled on April 29 and attained position number 45 on the US Billboard 200. The follow-up single "She's a Lady" was issued on July 11; its music video premiered September 13. Additionally, the band contributed a rendition of Will Smith's "Men in Black" for the compilation Punk Goes Crunk.

To support their album release, Forever the Sickest Kids joined the 2008 Alternative Press tour alongside acts such as All Time Low and The Rocket Summer. In May of that year, they toured nationwide with Metro Station, the Maine, the Cab, and Danger Radio. They returned for the 2008 Vans Warped Tour and appeared performing "Whoa Oh! (Me vs. Everyone)" on Late Night with Conan O'Brien on June 12. The group also played at Tokyo's Summer Sonic Festival in 2008 and supported Cobra Starship during their Sassy Back Tour between October and November.

February 2009 saw them embark on tours across Europe, Australia, and Japan with opening support from Artist vs. Poet. They took part in the Bamboozle Roadshow in April followed by performances at The Bamboozle festival in May. A duet version of "Whoa Oh! (Me vs. Everyone)" featuring Selena Gomez was released on May 26. Subsequently, a deluxe edition of Underdog Alma Mater was issued on July 7 containing original tracks alongside demos, acoustic versions, and a DVD featuring live footage and videos. During summer months that year, they also participated in the 2009 Vans Warped Tour.

2009–2011: The Weekend: Friday EP and eponymous album

On October 30, 2009, the band unveiled the single "What Do You Want from Me", serving as the lead track from their fourth EP, The Weekend: Friday, which was released on November 17, 2009. Originally conceived as a mini-album and the first installment in The Weekend series—with Saturday and Sunday planned for 2010—the EP entered the US Billboard 200 chart at position 107. A music video for the single debuted on December 14, 2009, through MTV.

In early 2010, the band made an appearance on MTV’s Silent Library. They also recorded a rendition of Ozzy Osbourne's "Crazy Train" for the compilation album Punk Goes Classic Rock. Additionally, their track "What Do You Want from Me" was featured in the movie Diary of a Wimpy Kid. In March 2010, they joined UK band You Me at Six as support on tour.

The EP’s follow-up single, "She Likes (Bittersweet Love)", was released on January 14, 2010. After releasing teaser clips and an official video by April, the song climbed to number one on Kerrang’s Top 10 chart. During The Bamboozle Roadshow 2010, the band supported artists such as The Downtown Fiction, All Time Low, and LMFAO.

On September 14, 2010, they introduced "Keep On Bringing Me Down" as the intended lead single for The Weekend: Saturday, which was eventually integrated into their sophomore studio album. The group also toured alongside The Scene Aesthetic, The Ready Set, and others during "The Summer Camp for the Dope Awesome Kids Tour."

Recording sessions for their second album were held in various studios with producers David Bendeth and John Bender. As songwriting advanced swiftly, the project expanded from a planned EP into a full-length album. New songs like "Life of the Party" were debuted during live performances.

Keyboardist Kent Garrison announced his exit on January 10, 2011, to pursue other ventures. The self-titled album Forever the Sickest Kids was streamed on MySpace starting February 27 and officially released March 1; it reached number 33 on the US Billboard 200 chart.

Between March and April 2011, the band headlined the "Spring Break Your Heart" tour with supporting acts including Breathe Carolina and Tonight Alive. Singles such as "I Guess You Can Say Things Are Getting Pretty Serious" and "Summer Song" were serviced to radio in April and June respectively.

Guitarist Marc Stewart departed amicably on September 22; Rico Andradi stepped in as his touring replacement. Both members left to focus on academic pursuits.

Following Motown Records’ separation from Universal Motown Records—which led to cancellations—the band found themselves unsigned. They independently released non-album singles: "Shut the Front Door (Too Young for This)" in October and a holiday-themed track titled "Mistletoe is for Quitters" in December 2011.

2012–2013: Release of J.A.C.K. and subsequent hiatus

In February 2012, the group performed at Manila’s LIV5 event alongside artists like The Ready Set, The Summer Set, and A Rocket to the Moon. They also took part in Australia’s Soundwave Festival between February and March that year.

By May 2012, work had begun on their third studio album, and on September 10 they signed with Fearless Records. The band contributed a cover of Rihanna’s "We Found Love" to Punk Goes Pop 5, marking their first experimentation with breakdowns featuring Bello’s screaming vocals. Additionally, they recorded "We Are the Guardians," which served as the theme song for Nicktoons’ NFL Rush Zone: Guardians of the Core.

On January 29, 2013, they announced collaboration with producer Mike Green for their upcoming album. The band also performed at the NFL Play 60 Kids' Day Experience ahead of Super Bowl XLVII. In February, Cook revealed that after writing forty-six songs during production, twelve tracks would be included on the album set for release on June 25. On April 25, they shared a preview of "Chin Up Kid," along with cover art and tracklist details confirming that the album would be titled J.A.C.K. The single "Chin Up Kid" was digitally released on May 7. Billboard premiered "Nice to Meet You" on May 24; pre-order bundles featuring limited edition vinyl copies became available on May 28. The full album was streamed via Facebook starting June 21, with lyric videos for all songs released one day before its official launch.

J.A.C.K. peaked at number 94 on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States. From June through August, they toured as part of Warped Tour 2013. A live music video for "Chin Up Kid" premiered in August; this was followed by releasing their third single "Nikki" in September—a track co-written by Fall Out Boy’s Patrick Stump.

In March 2014, Turman expressed uncertainty regarding the band's future while focusing on solo endeavors; however, it was confirmed that no official breakup or lineup changes had occurred. Turman and Andradi formed TEAM* alongside members from Boys Like Girls and The Almost. Meanwhile, Bello and Burns released a collaborative track titled "Cool," featuring Dusty Goode.

On August 20, 2015, Forever the Sickest Kids posted a message via Facebook affirming they remained active but had been prioritizing personal lives during their break.

2017–present: Reunion

In November 2016, the group announced their comeback to live performances. Their first joint appearance since late 2013 occurred at the So What?! Music Festival in Grand Prairie, Texas, held from March 24 to 26, 2017.

During an interview, Cook mentioned that the band currently has no immediate intentions to release new material or schedule shows but remains open to future opportunities if circumstances permit. He characterized the band as inactive rather than disbanded and encouraged fans to stay informed through their Facebook page.

On April 29, 2018, they commemorated the 10th anniversary of Underdog Alma Mater by issuing limited edition vinyl records. The band played in Texas during the Sad Summer Festival in July 2019 and made a return to the So What?! Music Festival in Dallas on June 24, 2023, following a performance at The Trees venue on June 23.

Apart from his role in Forever the Sickest Kids, Cook works as a realtor based in Texas. Bello creates music for various brands and television programs such as Macy's, The Flash, The Vampire Diaries, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Turman occasionally pursues solo performances as an independent artist.

Musical style and influences

Forever the Sickest Kids primarily align with genres like pop punk, neon pop punk, pop rock, emo pop, and power pop. Their sound often features synthesizers combined with dance and electronic elements, complemented by piano and keyboard arrangements. The band also blends acoustic and hip hop influences while maintaining lively, memorable tracks highlighted by pop hooks, electronic and acoustic drum patterns, and guitar riffs that retain rock and punk characteristics. The song "I Don't Know About You, But I Came to Dance" from Television Off, Party On serves as a clear example of their distinctive style.

Prior to departing from the band, Stewart explained their artistic aim: "We want it to make you want to dance in your car while you're driving. We want it easy to sing along to but so catchy you don't wanna stop."

Vocally, Cook, Bello, and Turman share lead responsibilities. Cook usually delivers the choruses with strong vocal power; Bello often takes on higher-pitched verses; Turman leads on softer acoustic numbers such as "Coffee Break" and "Forever Girl." Notably, Turman also provided lead vocals on "What Happened to Emotion? (Killing Me)," with Cook and Bello contributing during the bridge.

Their main inspirations include Blink-182, Fall Out Boy, Weezer, Bowling for Soup, New Found Glory, and Fountains of Wayne.

Band members

Current members

Jonathan Cook – co-lead vocals (2006–present), piano, keyboards, synthesizer (2011–present)
Austin Bello – bass guitar, co-lead vocals (2006–present)
Caleb Turman – lead guitar (2011–present), rhythm guitar, co-lead vocals (2006–present)
Kyle Burns – drums, percussion (2006–present)

Touring musicians

Rico Andradi – rhythm guitar, lead guitar (2011–present)

Former members

Marc Stewart – lead guitar (2006–2011)
Kent Garrison – keyboards, synthesizers, piano (2006–2011)

Timeline

Discography

Albums in studio

External links