The Night Cosmo Readers Met Good Charlotte

We had a chat with this smokin' rock quintet before they played for Manila fans in Ayala Malls and LAX club. We give you excerpts and snapshots of their visit.
Posted on June 6, 2011 03:30 pm by Dawn Niekamp
Photo: Jico Joson

Cosmo got to catch up with the gorgeously gruff men of Good Charlotte at Hard Rock Cafe, followed by a big performance at Glorietta. Afterwards, the Madden brothers spun for party-goers (including the Cosmo.ph team and our beloved readers!) in LAX at the SM Mall of Asia.

Psyched about performing in the Philippines, Benji told us, "Just by starting a band, writing songs, finding your thing, it's amazing to come to a place like Manila, where you never thought you'd go. We're so grateful." And while their fans and Cosmo.ph's own lucky readers (Kimberlee Gacita, Carla Javier, and Hana Badilla) got acquainted with the band's music that night in April, we're giving you the chance to get to know these guys better as we share excerpts from the band's press conference.

15 Years In The Music Scene

It all started when twins Joel and Benji Madden were blown away by a Beastie Boys performance. This pushed them to assemble the band in 1996, in Maryland. The Madden twins were just 15 when they pulled from the shelf a children's book Good Charlotte: The Girls of Good Day Orphanage (by Carol Beach York), and thought it was a cool name. "Let’s face it," says Benji, "It's not a great name." This is coming from the boys who have turned a book title into music history.

As more members joined in, they launched their musical career in 2000 with a self-titled debut album. Their popularity then soared, and they released a second album, The Young and the Hopeless, earning them triple platinum sales and topping hit-charts all over the world in both the pop-punk and rock genre.

After more than ten years of awesome tunes from these talented boys in tats (the band just celebrated their 15th anniversary last April 1!), members Paul Thomas (bass), Joel Madden (vocals), Benji Madden (guitar and vocals), Dean Butterworth (drums), and Billy Martin (guitar and keyboard) can boast of giving us memorable hits such as "The Anthem," "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous," "Hold On," "Girls and Boys," and "Keep Your Hands Off My Girl."

Staying Current After 15 Years

Good Charlotte's fifth and most recent album, Cardiology, came out in 2010. Supposedly their best one to date, Benji says they're "swinging back to the guitar-driven punk-rock direction," back to their original rock and roll sound. Fans can expect this album to have a fresher yet familiar feel.

They've had this much staying power because the boys make sure to stay in-tune with the industry. "We keep up with what's going on. Music now is always positive, it's a good thing. We love singing positive songs," says Benji. Joel adds, "We don't take ourselves so seriously, we don't take any of it seriously, except maybe 'Harlow's Song.' We started this band for fun."

Good Charlotte has worked hard to be the success that they are today. The Madden brothers spoke of their support for other diligent musicians. "I love Bruno Mars," Joel says, "I know how hard he's worked to get where he is and I admire and respect him."

A New Generation Of Madden Musicians?

Joel has two kids, Harlow and Sparrow, with celebrity wife Nicole Richie. We asked him how he feels about his two children following in his musical footsteps, and he told us, "Whatever my children’s dream is, I'll support it. If it's music, then so be it." And Uncle Benji adds, "I'll be their manager!"

Having come so far, Good Charlotte truly is a force to reckon with in the rock and roll world. "We want to continue to make records we love and inspire kids to write songs themselves," says Benji.

"It doesn't matter what you're doing," says Dean, who has been with the band for six years, "as long as you've got it here and here (pointing to his mind and heart)."

We're looking forward to whatever this beloved band comes up with next, and we excitedly await their next visit! In the meantime, check out the gallery to see the band members up close at the press conference and spinning club tunes for Cosmo girls at LAX.

Related Articles

• Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid, Other OPM Greats Topbill MYX Music Awards
• Hanson Brothers, Still As Hot As Ever
• Band Spotlight: The Bloomfields On Music, Women, And Everything In Between
• Pilipinas Got Talent Hunk Markki Stroem: "I'm In A Relationship With My Music"
• Cosmo Opens Up Noelle Cassandra's Egg Handbag

From THE FUN, FEARLESS FORUM:

POPULAR IN HOT HUNKS

Join thousands of subscribers enjoying our fab weekly Wednesday sendouts, and get EXCLUSIVE celeb news, tips, and promos right in your inbox.