Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Good Charlotte set to headline benefit for Capital Gazette
Good Charlotte, a pop-punk band with deep Maryland roots, is the first major act committed to an Annapolis, Md., music festival honoring press freedom.
Mayor Gavin Buckley said the event, dubbed “Annapolis Rising: A Benefit for The Capital Gazette and Free Press,” will take place July 28, one month after a shooting at the Capital Gazette newsroom that killed five people. Jarrod W. Ramos, 38, is charged with five counts of first-degree murder in the shooting.
Good Charlotte was founded by twin brothers Benji and Joel Madden, who were born in Waldorf, Md., but currently live in Los Angeles. Joel Madden said he moved to Annapolis at 18 and lived in the city for about four years.
The band released its debut album in 2000 with songs “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous” and “Dance Floor Anthem.”
Madden, 39, said he was checking his Twitter feed while on vacation in Italy when he learned of the Annapolis shooting.
He previously had talked to the mayor about opportunities to perform in Annapolis. Soon after the shooting, he reached out to Buckley to offer condolences. When the benefit concert idea came up, Madden said he was eager to sign up.
“I don’t know what we can bring to it, other than we just want to be involved in supporting the city,” Madden said. “Obviously, we’re all shocked. We’re all kind of speechless. These are moments when you really don’t know what to do to help.”