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Major League returns with New Music for the first time in 12 years

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 07/24/2026

Major League is a New Jersey-based rock band that rose to prominence in the early 2010s with a heartfelt mix of pop punk and emo. The band is back with new music for the first time in over 12 years. They've released their new single "Heavenly Hell", an amalgamation of thrashy riffs and pounding drums topped with a dual vocal performance between two best friends leaving the past behind them and clearing a path for the future ahead.

Fans can look forward to hearing “Heavenly Hell” live for the first time this summer, as the band hits the road with Belmont. The tour kicked off earlier this month, with stops still to come in Atlanta, Richmond, Washington DC, New York City, Pittsburgh, and more.

Stream the new track now, here: https://orcd.co/heavenlyhell.

Formed in 2009 by guitarist Brian Joyce and fronted by original vocalist Nick Trask, the band quickly became known for their relentless DIY ethic—self-booking shows, hitting the road nonstop, and building a passionate fanbase from the ground up. Their early releases, including The Truth Is... and Variables, struck a chord with listeners for their sincerity and urgency, with tracks like “From States Away” and “Seasons” becoming staples of the scene.

Their 2012 debut full-length Hard Feelings, released on No Sleep Records, captured the emotion and energy that defined a generation of fans growing up in the era of Tumblr, VFW shows, and cross-country tours in beat-up vans. In early 2014, founding vocalist Nick Trask parted ways with the band, with Brian Joyce stepping in to take over lead vocals. That year, the band released There’s Nothing Wrong With Me—a more introspective, emotionally driven follow-up that marked a new chapter for Major League while preserving the core of their sound.




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With extensive touring across the U.S., UK, Europe, and Japan alongside bands like Senses Fail, Funeral For A Friend, Mayday Parade, The Starting Line, and Turnover - Major League solidified their status as a defining voice in the modern emo and pop punk scenes.

After disbanding in 2016 following a heartfelt farewell tour, the band’s music continued to resonate with longtime fans and new listeners alike. In 2025, after a wave of cryptic teasers and online speculation, Major League officially made their return - reuniting with their original lineup, including vocalist Nick Trask. The band celebrated 15 years of The Truth Is… with an exclusive vinyl release through Paper & Wax, as well as a sold out hometown show at The Williams Center in Rutherford, NJ. Most recently they joined Hit The Lights for a co-headline tour, and the band is back on the road now with Belmont.

When singer Nick Trask and singer/songwriter Brian Anthony Joyce first began talking again after nearly a decade of no contact they had one intention - to show up as transparent as possible with one another. They laid it all out on the table. The prospect of new music wasn't even on the horizon but transparency breeds authenticity, and within the first month back together new music found itself in the Dropbox of the band’s long-time friend and previous booking agent turned producer, Gary Cioni.

With the addition of drummer Luke Smartnick behind the kit and a near 13-year clear head from the noise - the three delivered a sound that encapsulated the very essence of the bands original blueprint.

The band shares: "‘Heavenly Hell’ was born out of patience and transparency. The patience to allow yourself to grow and the transparency to share that growth in meeting people where they are. When we first began talking again after 13 years, the only clear goal we had was to be friends again. And as much as I'd like to think music was never on the table, I think truthfully it never really left the table to begin with. We always felt like we were meant to do this together. This song is proof."

Upcoming Tour Dates:

7/24 – Atlanta, GA @ Hell at The Masquerade




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7/25 – Orlando, FL @ The Abbey

7/26 – West Palm Beach, FL @ The Banyan Live

7/28 – Durham, NC @ Motorco Music Hall

7/29 – Richmond, VA @ The Canal Club

7/30 – Washington, DC @ Union Stage

7/31 – Allentown, PA @ Archer Music Hall

8/1 – New York, NY @ Le Poisson Rouge

8/2 – Allston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall

8/4 – Toronto, ON @ Lee’s Palace

8/5 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Thunderbird Café & Music Hall




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8/6 – Lakewood, OH @ Mahall’s

8/7 – Hamtramck, MI @ The Sanctuary Detroit

8/8 – Chicago, IL @ House of Blues Chicago

9/26 – Carlstadt, NJ @ Bolero Block Party **

** - Indicates Festival Date


EVENT PREVIEWS

(CARTERET, NJ) -- W.A.S.P. brings its "1984 To Headless" Fall North American Tour to the Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 8:00pm. The band will pay tribute to their 1st Four Albums... Live! The lineup includes Special Guest KK's Priest.
Outpost in the Burbs presents James Maddock on October 11th

Outpost in the Burbs presents James Maddock on October 11th

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents James Maddock on Sunday, October 11, 2026 at the First Congregational Church in Montclair. Maddock's status as a fixture on the Folk and Americana scene is confirmed with every listen of any song in his prodigious catalog. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Outpost in the Burbs presents Suzanne Vega - Flying with Angels on October 30th

Outpost in the Burbs presents Suzanne Vega - Flying with Angels on October 30th

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents Suzanne Vega - Flying with Angels on October 30, 2026 at 8:00pm (doors at 7:00pm). The concert will take place at the First Congregational Church (40 South Fullerton Avenue) in Montclair.

CarteretPAC presents John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band

(CARTERET, NJ) -- The Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band on Friday, November 13, 2026 at 8:00pm. The legendary Rhode Island multi-platinum rock band began their career in 1973 and achieved mainstream success in the 1980s with the "Eddie & The Cruisers – Motion Picture Soundtrack".

Outpost in the Burbs Presents Richard Thompson with Zara Phillips in Benefit Concert for Toni's Kitchen on November 21st

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs will present an extraordinary evening of music featuring singer-songwriter and guitarist Richard Thompson with Zara Phillips on Saturday, November 21, 2026 at the First Congregational Church in Montclair. The special concert will serve as a fundraiser in support of Toni's Kitchen, the Montclair based nonprofit dedicated to combating food insecurity and related challenges in Essex County and beyond. Showtime is 8:00pm.
 

FEATURED EVENTS



Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band

Friday, October 02, 2026 @ 7:30pm
State Theatre New Jersey
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ


Graham Nash – Live on Tour 2026

Friday, October 02, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ


John Pizzarelli presents “Dear Mr. Bennett”

Friday, October 02, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Grunin Center - Main Stage
1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ


Laura Mann & Ben Arnold

Friday, October 02, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ


W.A.S.P. 1984 to HEADLESS

Saturday, October 03, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center
46 Washington Ave, Carteret, NJ