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Benji Madden
Benji Madden
Benji Madden
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Benjamin Levi Madden (né Combs; born March 11, 1979) is an American musician. He is the rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist for the rock band Good Charlotte—for which he has received various awards—as well as pop rock collaboration the Madden Brothers. He formed both of these acts with his identical twin brother, Joel Madden, with whom he was a coach on The Voice Australia from 2015 to 2016.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Madden was born Benjamin Levi Combs on March 11, 1979, in Waldorf, Maryland, to Robin Madden and Roger Combs (d. 2019).[1][2] He has an identical twin, Joel Madden, with whom he formed the band Good Charlotte.[1] He has an older brother named Josh and a younger sister named Sarah. All attended La Plata High School in La Plata, Maryland.[2]

Career

[edit]

In 1996, Madden started Good Charlotte with his twin brother Joel.

While still playing in Good Charlotte, both Madden brothers wrote and produced for other artists. Madden was a co-writer and co-producer of some of the songs on Hilary Duff's Most Wanted (2005) compilation album. He later helped write the songs "Amnesia" for the pop rock band 5 Seconds of Summer and "No Ordinary Girl" for pop artist Kalin and Myles. He has appeared as a back-up vocalist for artists such as MxPx, Kill Hannah, Apoptygma Berzerk, Mest, The 69 Eyes, Sean Kingston, Three 6 Mafia, Chamillionaire, and Matisyahu.[3]

Madden started the fashion line called Made Clothing in 2001, along with his brothers Joel and Josh. In early 2006, it became DCMA Collective. A DCMA Collective store opened in Los Angeles on March 15, 2008, but later closed.[citation needed]

On April 3, 2010, Madden took part in a boxing match against MTV and VH1 host Riki Rachtman at Ellismania 5: Get These Brawls. The event was hosted by Jason Ellis at The Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Madden beat Rachtman by knockout at 1 minute and 42 seconds into the first round.[4]

On November 11, 2011, Madden and his brother Joel Madden released a free mix-tape, "The Madden Brothers: Before Volume 1". It contains new artists the brothers were personally interested in. Their brother Josh Madden helped to produce the mix-tape. Then unknown rappers, Machine Gun Kelly, Rockie Fresh, Kreayshawn, Cassie Veggies, HXLT, and Wiz Khalifa all appeared on the mix-tape.

Madden on stage with Good Charlotte

In 2012, Benji appeared on the TV show The Voice Australia, alongside Joel as joint mentor-judges.

In early 2013, Benji helped write Tonight Alive's song "Breakdown". He sang back-up vocals at the end of the song and made an appearance in the video.

In 2014, electronic dance music artist TJR released his track "Come Back Down", which features Benji on the track's vocals. The Madden Brothers recording "Greetings from California" was released on September 16, 2014.

In mid-2014, both of the Madden brothers appeared as coaches on The Voice Kids Australia in a double chair, after the example of the Dutch The Voice of Holland and The Voice Kids Holland edition in which the singer's duo Nick & Simon appeared as a judging duo between 2010 and 2015. In early 2015, Benji joined Joel as a coach on the main edition of The Voice, bringing the number of coaches up to five.

In 2015 Madden and his two brothers formally started their company MDDN, of which Benji is CEO, offering artist management, artist development and creative services. The company gained success quickly with the brothers taking management of Jessie J, Chase Atlantic, Architects, Bad Omens, Waterparks, Eyedress, Poppy and More.[5]

Madden and his brother Joel co-founded the streaming platform Veeps in 2017, and are co-CEOs. Live Nation Entertainment acquired a majority stake in the platform in January 2021.[6]

Discography

[edit]

With Good Charlotte

[edit]
Main article: Good Charlotte discography

With The Madden Brothers

[edit]
Further information: The Madden Brothers

Vocal appearances

[edit]
Year Song Artist(s) Album
2001 "Let's Go" X-Ecutioners
2002 "January" Goldfinger Open Your Eyes
2003 "Jaded (These Years)" Mest Mest
"It's Alright" MxPx Before Everything & After
"On the Outs"
2004 "Are You Ready?" Hazen Street Hazen Street
"All That"
"Last Train Home" Lostprophets Start Something
"Jump" N.E.R.D Fly or Die
2007 "Tightly Wound" MxPx Secret Weapon
"Sex Without Love" Ben Lee Ripe
2008 "My Own Way" Three 6 Mafia Last 2 Walk
2009 "Apollo (Live on Your TV)" Apoptygma Berzerk Rocket Science
"Darkness into Light" Matisyahu Light
"Dead N' Gone" The 69 Eyes Back in Blood
"Shoulda Let U Go" Sean Kingston Tomorrow
"Snowblinded" Kill Hannah Wake Up the Sleepers
2013 "Breakdown" Tonight Alive The Other Side
2014 "Come Back Down" TJR[8]
2019 "Never Enough" Sleeping with Sirens How It Feels to Be Lost
2020 "Second Chances" Hollywood Undead New Empire, Vol. 1

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2001 Not Another Teen Movie Prom band member
2006 Live Freaky Die Freaky Interrogator #1 Voice only
Material Girls Mistaken valet #2
Fast Future Generation Himself
2007 Punk's Not Dead
2008 Paris, Not France
2009 6 Beers of Separation
2016 I'll Sleep When I'm Dead

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2004 Punk'd Himself 1 episode
2009 Australian Idol Himself (guest judge) 2 episodes
2011 The Electric Company Himself
2014 The Voice Kids Himself (coach) All episodes
2015–2016 The Voice Australia
2022 Celebrity Wheel of Fortune Himself (contestant) 1 episode

Music videos

[edit]

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Main article: List of awards and nominations received by Good Charlotte

For his work as a guitarist for the alternative rock band Good Charlotte, he has received various accolades, including an MTV Video Music Award, a Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Award, and an NRJ Music Award.

Personal life

[edit]

In February 2008, Madden broke up with his long-time fiancée, Sophie Monk.[9]

Madden began dating actress Cameron Diaz in May 2014. The two were unofficially engaged before Christmas Day in 2014[10] and were married on January 5, 2015,[11] in a Jewish-inspired ceremony, at their Beverly Hills home.[12] On December 30, 2019, they had a daughter via surrogate pregnancy.[13] On March 22, 2024 Benji announced that Diaz and he welcomed their new-born son.[14]

Madden has many tattoos, including a tattoo of Benjamin Franklin, which covers his entire back.[15]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Benji Madden

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Benjamin Levi Madden (born March 11, 1979) is an American musician, songwriter, and producer best known as the rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist of the band , which he co-founded with his identical twin brother in 1996 while in high school in . Born in , to a that faced financial hardship and familial separation after their father left on , Madden grew up in poverty alongside his siblings, shaping the band's early themes of resilience and youth struggles. achieved mainstream success with their 2000 self-titled debut album and the triple-platinum breakthrough (2002), blending , pop, and hip-hop influences across eight studio albums, including the recent Motel du Cap (2025). Beyond music, Madden co-founded the artist management company MDDN in 2014 with his brothers, representing acts like Waterparks and , and has ventured into production and live-streaming platforms like Veeps. In his , he married actress on January 5, 2015, in an intimate Beverly Hills ceremony after dating for seven months; the couple has two children, daughter Raddix (born December 30, 2019) and son Cardinal (born 2024).

Early life

Family background

Benjamin Levi Combs, later known as Benji Madden, was born on March 11, 1979, in , to parents Robin Marie Madden, a homemaker, and Roger Paul Combs, a butcher who struggled with . He shares his birthday with his identical twin brother, , and the family also includes an older brother, Josh Combs, and a younger sister, Sarah Madden. The family's stability was disrupted on 1995, when Combs abruptly left, abandoning his wife and children at a time when the twins were 16 years old. This departure plunged the household into financial hardship, as Robin Madden raised her four children as a while working multiple low-paying jobs to make ends meet. The siblings adopted their mother's surname, Madden, reflecting the shift to a single-parent dynamic amid ongoing economic challenges. Following the upheaval, the family relocated to the rural outskirts of , where they lived in a modest home surrounded by farmland, further highlighting the constraints of their poverty-stricken circumstances. These early experiences of and resilience profoundly influenced Benji's formative years, fostering a close-knit bond among the siblings in their isolated home environment. Their parents' shared passion for music provided a small but vital source of comfort during this period, with family sing-alongs introducing the twins to diverse sounds. The twins later reconciled with their , and he died in 2019.

Education and early interests

Benji Madden attended La Plata High School in , where he graduated in 1997 alongside his twin brother Joel and early acquaintances who would later join their musical endeavors. During his high school years, Madden immersed himself in the local culture and the burgeoning scene, which shaped his rebellious aesthetic and social circles in . These subcultures, intertwined with the rise of , provided an outlet for expression amid a challenging upbringing. At around age 16, Madden began teaching himself to play guitar, drawing inspiration from influential bands such as Blink-182 and , whose energetic style and DIY ethos resonated with his emerging musical aspirations. He practiced diligently on a basic instrument, honing his skills without formal lessons, and soon collaborated with Joel to form their initial band efforts, experimenting with songwriting and performances in local settings. Beyond music, Madden nurtured artistic interests in and tattooing, which manifested in his personal collection of intricate reflecting themes of identity, , and pop references. These pursuits, starting in his teenage years, highlighted his creative versatility and contributed to his distinctive visual style within the punk community.

Musical career

Good Charlotte

Benji Madden co-founded in 1996 in , alongside his identical twin brother , initially as a while they were high school students inspired by a concert. The band, with Joel on lead vocals, began performing locally and released an early demo titled So Good Charlotte in 1999 before signing with . Throughout his involvement, Madden has served as the rhythm guitarist and , contributing to the band's energetic live sound and studio recordings across all releases. The band's self-titled debut album, Good Charlotte, arrived in 2000, introducing their raw pop-punk style but gaining modest attention. Their major breakthrough occurred with The Young and the Hopeless in 2002, which propelled them to mainstream success through hits like "Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous," a track co-written by Madden, Joel, and Tim Armstrong, satirizing celebrity culture. Follow-up albums The Chronicles of Life and Death (2004) and Good Morning Revival (2007) experimented with darker themes and dance-punk influences, while Cardiology (2010) returned to pop-punk roots, solidifying their chart presence. Early tours, including the 2001 Vans Warped Tour, helped build their fanbase through high-energy performances. Good Charlotte entered a hiatus in 2011 following the release of Cardiology, allowing members to pursue other projects amid shifting music industry dynamics. The band revived in 2015, releasing Youth Authority in 2016 and in 2018, which addressed and with a more edge, marking their evolution from early aggression to introspective maturity. Their eighth studio album, Motel Du Cap, released on August 8, 2025, via and produced by and Jordan Fish among others, continues this progression with personal reflections on fame and resilience. Madden's songwriting has been central to the band's catalog, co-authoring melodies and lyrics for anthemic tracks like "The Anthem" from 2002, which became a staple of their rebellious ethos. On Motel Du Cap, he collaborated with Joel on singles such as "Rejects," evoking early , and "," blending electronic elements with punk drive. The album's release coincided with 2025 festival appearances, including a dynamic set at the in October, where the band surprised fans with guest of Sum 41. In October 2025, announced the Motel Du Cap World Tour, with dates in and scheduled for early 2026, and they are set to headline Slam Dunk Festival in 2026.

The Madden Brothers

The Madden Brothers was launched in 2014 by twin brothers and as a side project separate from their work with , allowing them to explore new musical directions during the band's hiatus. The duo's formation was announced on May 20, 2014, marking a shift toward a more personal and experimental sound inspired by their life in . Their debut and only album, Greetings from California, was released on September 16, 2014, via , featuring 15 tracks divided into two sides that reflect a blend of upbeat pop-rock and more introspective elements. The first side was produced by longtime collaborator , while the second side was self-produced by with assistance from Joe Chiccarelli, incorporating influences from '60s pop and subtle electronic elements in tracks like "Out of My Mind." The album's themes centered on the brothers' relocation from to , capturing lifestyle reflections in songs such as "California Rain," which narrates their West Coast journey, and emphasizing personal growth and relationships over punk-rock aggression. Benji Madden contributed prominently through guitar riffs that added rhythmic drive to the pop-rock arrangements and provided backing vocals to complement Joel's lead. The lead single, "We Are Done," premiered on May 30, 2014, and achieved platinum certification in , topping the with its infectious, soulful '60s-inspired sound. To support the album, embarked on a tour beginning with an Australian leg in late October 2014, followed by a U.S. run starting in West Hollywood, performing at venues like the Roxy Theatre and focusing on intimate settings to showcase their new material. Following the 2014 release, The Madden Brothers produced no further albums, serving primarily as a creative outlet during Good Charlotte's hiatus from 2011 to 2015, after which the brothers refocused on their original band while pursuing other ventures. This limited output highlighted the project's role in allowing Benji and Joel to experiment with electronic-influenced pop-rock without the constraints of a full band dynamic.

Production and songwriting

Madden's early forays into production and songwriting beyond his band work began in the mid-2000s, focusing on pop and collaborations. In 2003, he co-wrote "Jaded (These Years)" for the band , marking one of his initial external credits that blended emotional lyrics with energetic instrumentation typical of the genre. By 2005, he expanded into mainstream pop as a co-writer and co-producer on Hilary Duff's "Wake Up," a track from her Most Wanted that featured an upbeat, motivational sound co-crafted with his brother Joel and producer Jason Epperson under the Dead Executives moniker. Throughout the 2010s, Madden's songwriting gained prominence with major acts in the and alternative scenes. He co-wrote "Amnesia" for in 2014, a poignant that topped charts in several countries and showcased his ability to craft relatable, radio-friendly hooks. Similarly, for All Time Low's 2015 album , he contributed to tracks like "Bail Me Out" (featuring on guest vocals) and "How the Story Ends," emphasizing themes of resilience and that aligned with the band's ethos. These collaborations highlighted his skill in bridging punk roots with broader appeal, often co-writing with established producers like . In 2015, Madden co-founded the artist management and development company MDDN with his brothers, serving as CEO and using the platform to produce and mentor emerging talent in and alternative music. Through MDDN, he has overseen production on projects for various clients, accumulating over 100 songwriting and production credits across genres, with a focus on empowering artists through creative guidance. Recent external efforts include producing Frank Turner's live performance series Lost Evenings VI in 2023, capturing the folk-punk artist's intimate shows with high-fidelity audio and visual elements. His work consistently prioritizes authentic storytelling and genre-blending production techniques.

Other ventures

Fashion and apparel

In the early 2000s, Benji Madden co-founded the clothing line Made Clothing with his brothers Joel and , drawing inspiration from the skate and punk aesthetics that influenced their early work with . The brand offered casual pieces that captured the raw energy of rock and scenes, including graphic tees and hoodies emblazoned with bold designs. By 2006, Made Clothing evolved into DCMA Collective, expanding its scope under the ownership of the Madden brothers and artist Tal Cooperman. The new iteration emphasized music- and art-inspired streetwear, featuring collaborations with prominent graffiti artists such as Shepard Fairey and REVOK to create exclusive graphics on tees, hoodies, jewelry, and accessories that reflected rock culture's rebellious spirit. DCMA also partnered with K-Swiss for a limited sneaker line, incorporating 20 colorways tied to themes of skateboarding and urban music heritage. A flagship store opened in Los Angeles on March 15, 2008, at 645 N. Martel Avenue, serving as a hub for the brand's DC-made ethos rooted in the brothers' Maryland origins. DCMA Collective operated as a key venture in the ' portfolio but eventually became defunct, like its predecessor. The brands' closure amid shifting fashion markets did not diminish their lasting impact on Madden's personal aesthetic, which favors comfortable, understated rock-inspired looks such as black attire, sleeveless tees, old-school , and signature hats including trucker caps and fedoras, often paired with a bandana. His heavily tattooed appearance, a hallmark of his recognizable style alongside brother Joel, further embodies the punk and alternative influences central to the lines.

Business and media companies

In 2014, Benji Madden co-founded MDDN, a Los Angeles-based company focused on artist , production, and marketing, alongside his brother . The firm manages a roster of acts including , Architects, , and , providing mentorship and career development services tailored to emerging and established musicians. As CEO, Madden has emphasized MDDN's artist-centric approach, drawing from his own experiences in industry to foster long-term growth. Madden also co-founded Veeps in 2017 with Joel, establishing it as a ticketed live-streaming platform dedicated to broadcasts and on-demand content for performances. The service quickly expanded to include comedy specials and documentaries, aiming to empower artists with direct-to-fan revenue streams during the decline of live events. In 2021, acquired a majority stake in Veeps, integrating it into their broader ecosystem while allowing to retain operational influence. Through MDDN, Madden facilitated the acquisition of Alternative Press magazine in fall 2020, relocating its operations from Cleveland to Los Angeles to revitalize the publication's focus on alternative music and culture. Under their stewardship, the magazine has emphasized digital content, exclusive artist features, and limited-edition print runs, such as a 2025 collaboration with Good Charlotte featuring holographic covers and in-depth interviews. This move has positioned Altpress as a key platform for promoting MDDN's managed artists and broader alternative scenes. Since 2023, Madden has served as an on the "Artist Friendly" , hosted by and distributed via Veeps, where episodes feature in-depth interviews with musicians discussing career challenges and inspirations. Notable guests have included Benji himself alongside Avenged Sevenfold's , exploring topics like band dynamics and creative processes. In 2025, Madden leveraged Veeps and MDDN to promote Good Charlotte's eighth studio album, Motel du Cap, which was executive-produced by and released on August 8. The platform hosted an exclusive early premiere event on August 6, complete with track-by-track commentary and fan Q&A, while MDDN oversaw production elements for several tracks, highlighting the company's integrated role in artist promotion.

Philanthropy

Benji Madden has engaged in philanthropy focused on children's welfare and anti-poverty efforts, frequently partnering with his brother Joel to amplify their impact. Their work emphasizes raising awareness and funds for vulnerable youth facing humanitarian challenges, including lack of access to basic needs like clean water and . In late 2008, Madden joined Joel, a , on a week-long trip to the to document the plight of children affected by poverty, conflict, and displacement. The visit, organized by , included meetings with aid workers and observations of programs providing shelter, mosquito nets, and medical supplies in areas outside the capital . Upon return, the brothers used their platform to voice concerns about the region's instability and the urgent need for international support, contributing to broader anti-poverty advocacy. Good Charlotte has supported UNICEF and related anti-poverty campaigns by integrating fundraising into their tours and performances. For instance, in 2009, the band participated in the Rock A Little, Feed A Lot at Club in , which raised resources for the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank to combat hunger among low-income families and children. Madden has continued this involvement, including contributing to 's digital outreach efforts, such as blogging for their New Year's awareness campaigns starting in 2009. Madden's advocacy extends to mental health awareness, influenced by the economic struggles and family hardships he and Joel faced growing up in a working-class household in . This personal context informs Good Charlotte's music, particularly their 2018 album , which confronts the opioid crisis, issues, and challenges through raw, autobiographical lyrics. The project, co-produced by the brothers, was spurred by the overdose death of rapper and aims to destigmatize these topics for younger audiences grappling with similar pressures. He has also supported organizations like the to promote resources and prevention efforts.

Personal life

Relationships

Madden's first high-profile romantic relationship was with Australian actress and singer , which began in August 2006. The couple, who met through mutual connections in the music and entertainment industries, quickly became a topic of media interest due to their cross-continental lifestyle between the and . Madden proposed to on 2006 during a trip to ; the engagement was publicly announced in January 2007. However, the relationship ended amicably in February 2008, with Monk's publicist confirming the split and noting the pair remained friends. The breakup was attributed to the challenges of their demanding careers and long-distance separation, though both expressed mutual respect moving forward. Following the end of his engagement to , Madden maintained a relatively private personal life for several years, avoiding public romantic associations amid his focus on music and business ventures. This period of discretion shifted in 2014 when he began dating actress , whom he had known peripherally through Hollywood social circles. Introduced formally by mutual friends at a private party in , the pair bonded over shared values of privacy and a low-key approach to fame. Madden and Diaz's relationship progressed rapidly but remained shielded from intense media scrutiny, with the couple rarely appearing together publicly during their courtship. They became engaged in late December 2014, just months after starting to date, and married on January 5, 2015, in an intimate, low-key ceremony at their Beverly Hills home, attended only by close family and friends such as singer and actor . The event featured simple decor under a tent in the backyard, reflecting their desire for understatement. Since their marriage, Madden and Diaz have prioritized maintaining a private partnership, seldom sharing details of their life together in interviews or on . They have emphasized mutual support in their respective careers while steering clear of the Hollywood spotlight, a stance that has allowed their relationship to endure stably over a decade. This commitment to privacy has been a cornerstone of their union, with both partners crediting it for fostering a grounded and enduring connection.

Family and children

The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Raddix Chloe Wildflower Madden, on December 30, 2019, via surrogate. They announced her birth in January 2020, emphasizing their commitment to protecting her privacy by not sharing photos or further personal details publicly. In March 2024, Madden and Diaz announced the birth of their second child, son Cardinal Madden, also born via surrogate. Like with Raddix, the couple has maintained strict privacy around Cardinal, sharing only the announcement and avoiding public images. Madden balances his music career, including commitments with Good Charlotte, alongside parenting responsibilities in Los Angeles, as of 2025. Madden shares a close bond with his identical twin brother, , and Joel's family; Joel and his wife, , have two children, daughter and son Sparrow, and the extended family often celebrates milestones together privately.

Media appearances

Film and television roles

Benji Madden has accumulated over 20 credits in film and television, predominantly as himself in cameo roles or as a , often tying into his music career. In film, Madden made early cameos that showcased his rising profile in pop-punk. He appeared alongside his brother Joel in the 2001 parody Not Another Teen Movie, contributing to a scene featuring Good Charlotte. His role in the 2006 comedy Material Girls, starring Hilary and Haylie Duff, was as Mistaken Valet #2, a brief but memorable bit part. On television, Madden served as a judge on The Voice Australia for seasons 4 and 5 in 2015 and 2016, co-coaching "Team Madden" with his brother Joel, where they mentored aspiring singers through blind auditions and live performances. He also featured as a guest victim in a 2004 episode of MTV's Punk'd, pranked alongside Joel by host Ashton Kutcher in a setup involving a chaotic restaurant scenario. More recently, Madden has expanded into production and . He received a producer credit for the 2025 comedy special Fun & Slutty with , supporting the Queer Eye star's stand-up project. As co-founder of the live-streaming platform Veeps, Madden has hosted and appeared in event streams from 2023 to 2025, including the "Artist Friendly" series, such as a 2025 episode discussing history with Avenged Sevenfold's . These appearances reflect his occasional forays into visual media while maintaining a focus on authentic, low-key contributions.

Awards and nominations

Benji Madden has received numerous awards and nominations primarily through his work with , where he contributed as rhythm guitarist, backing vocalist, and co-songwriter. These accolades highlight the band's success in the genre during the early . While Madden has no major solo awards, his songwriting and production efforts have earned recognition, including multiple honors for group achievements totaling over 15 wins and nominations. Good Charlotte won the Video Music Award for Viewer's Choice for "Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous" in 2003, marking an early breakthrough for . The group also received the for International Breakthrough Act in 2003, acknowledging their rising international presence. Madden's songwriting contributions with Good Charlotte led to several BMI Pop Music Awards between 2003 and 2015, celebrating the most performed pop songs of the year. In recent years, his production work on tracks for , such as co-writing and producing "Amnesia" from their 2014 self-titled album, resulted in nominations for in categories like Best International Newcomer at various awards shows, though no individual wins for Madden.
YearAwardCategoryResultNotes
2003MTV Video Music AwardsViewer's Choice ("Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous")WonWith
2003NRJ Music AwardsInternational Breakthrough ActWonWith
2003–2015BMI Pop Music AwardsMost Performed Songs (various credits)Won (multiple)For songwriting with
2014–2015Various (e.g., , )Production/Songwriting on 5SOS tracks (e.g., "")NominatedNo individual wins for Madden; group-focused

Discography

Albums with Good Charlotte

Good Charlotte's discography with the band includes early demo tapes and eight subsequent studio albums released through major labels, spanning , , and evolving styles. As lead guitarist and co-songwriter, Benji Madden played a key role in shaping the band's sound across these releases through his rhythmic and work. The following table summarizes the key albums, including release details, chart performance on the US Billboard 200, and RIAA certifications where applicable.
Album TitleRelease DateLabelUS Billboard 200 PeakRIAA Certification
Demo1997Self-released——
September 26, 2000#185Platinum (2025)
October 1, 2002#73× Platinum (2004)
The Chronicles of Life and DeathOctober 19, 2004#3Platinum (2005)
March 27, 2007#7Gold (2007)
October 26, 2010#31—
Youth AuthorityJuly 15, 2016MDDN#23—
September 14, 2018MDDN#37—
Motel Du CapAugust 8, 2025——
The band's initial demos were independent releases that captured early raw energy and helped secure their major-label deal, though they did not chart commercially. Their self-titled debut introduced hits like "Little Things," achieving modest initial success before reaching platinum status over two decades later through sustained fan interest. The Young and the Hopeless marked a breakthrough, with singles such as "The Anthem" and "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" driving its triple-platinum sales and high chart placement amid the early 2000s boom. The Chronicles of Life and Death shifted toward a darker, more mature aesthetic with dual "Life" and "Death" editions, yielding top-10 singles like "Predictable" and earning platinum certification for over one million US shipments. Good Morning Revival incorporated dance-rock elements and global influences, debuting strongly with tracks like "Dance Floor Anthem (I Don't Wanna Be in Love)" contributing to its gold status. Later albums like Cardiology returned to pop-punk roots but saw declining commercial peaks, while Youth Authority and Generation Rx addressed personal and social themes in a post-hiatus comeback. The 2025 release Motel Du Cap featured lead singles "Rejects" and "Stepper," blending nostalgic sounds with modern production.

Projects with The Madden Brothers

, the musical duo formed by Benji and Joel Madden, released their sole studio album, Greetings from California, on September 16, 2014, via . The project emerged during a hiatus from their primary band, , allowing the brothers to explore a blend of , and influences with production contributions from artists including and . Structured as a with an upbeat "Side A" and more introspective "Side B," it marked a departure from their earlier punk rock sound, emphasizing California-inspired themes of growth and reflection. The lead single, "We Are Done," premiered on May 30, 2014, via and reached number 1 on the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart, marking the duo's first chart-topping hit in that format. The track's retro-soul style and , released on June 30, 2014, contributed to its airplay success across rock and pop stations. A second single, "," followed, highlighting the album's West Coast vibe but achieving more modest radio traction without entering major charts. Greetings from California debuted at number 57 on the US chart, selling approximately 12,000 copies in its first week, and also appeared on the Independent Albums chart. No extended plays or major remixes were issued under the moniker, with the focus remaining on the album's core tracks. The release received mixed reviews for its eclectic production but was praised for the brothers' vocal harmonies and collaborative energy.

Guest vocal appearances

Benji Madden has contributed guest vocals to numerous tracks by other artists across genres including pop-punk, alternative rock, and electronic music, spanning from the early 2000s to the present day. These appearances often involve backing harmonies or featured verses, showcasing his distinctive punk-inflected style in collaborative settings. Early in his career, Madden provided featured vocals on "Jaded (These Years)" by MEST from their 2003 self-titled album, adding rhythmic energy to the pop-punk track. In 2009, he delivered additional backing vocals on "Snowblinded" by Kill Hannah, enhancing the atmospheric rock sound on their album Wake Up the Sleepers. That same year, Madden and his brother Joel contributed vocals as part of Good Charlotte's feature on "Shoulda Let U Go" by Sean Kingston from the album Tomorrow, blending reggae-pop with punk elements. Madden's collaborations continued into the 2010s with guest vocals on "Breakdown" by in 2013, where he joined lead singer Jenna McDougall for the soaring chorus on their album The Other Side. In 2014, he took on lead vocals for the electronic track "Come Back Down" by TJR, marking a venture into EDM with high-energy delivery. More recent contributions include guest vocals on multiple tracks from Apoptygma Berzerk's 2009 album Rocket Science, such as "Weight of the World" and "Apollo (Live on Your TV)", providing with punk edge. In 2020, he featured prominently on "Second Chances" by from , delivering the pre-chorus with raw emotional intensity. Overall, Madden has made over 20 such guest vocal appearances between 2001 and 2025, predominantly in supportive harmony roles that complement the lead artists' visions. In some instances, these vocal contributions overlapped with his production work on the tracks.

References

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  2. https://www.gosanangelo.com/story/entertainment/music/2016/11/13/punks-not-dead-and-good-charlotte-proof/93738040/
  3. https://grammy.com/news/good-charlotte-motel-du-cap-new-album-interview-comeback
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  16. https://inkedmag.com/original-news/rock-star-by-day-ceo-by-night
  17. http://www.slingerville.com/?page=story&uid=3143&sid=241
  18. https://www.aceshowbiz.com/celebrity/good_charlotte/biography.html
  19. https://www.discogs.com/release/11414315-Good-Charlotte-Demo
  20. https://www.last.fm/music/Good%2BCharlotte/%2Bwiki
  21. https://www.discogs.com/artist/261637-Good-Charlotte
  22. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGrufrND1m0
  23. https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/good-charlotte
  24. https://www.dailycal.org/archives/post-hiatus-good-charlotte-returns-livelier-than-ever/article_921560b0-72aa-523b-ac9d-b7914533462f.html
  25. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/good-charlotte-new-album-motel-du-cap-interview-1235337319/
  26. https://www.goodcharlotte.com/music/motel-du-cap/info
  27. https://www.altpress.com/good-charlotte-motel-du-cap-stream/
  28. https://goodcalllive.com/good-charlotte-release-official-music-video-for-new-single-stepper/
  29. https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevebaltin/2025/10/12/sunday-conversation-good-charlotte-this-is-my-favorite-era-of-life/
  30. https://guitar.com/features/interviews/good-charlotte-benji-madden-interview-motel-du-cap/
  31. https://www.altpress.com/good_charlottes_joel_and_benji_madden_announce_new_band/
  32. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/benji-and-joel-madden-madden-brothers-album-working-with-pharrell-williams-ryan-adams-6229468/
  33. https://www.discogs.com/release/8180466-The-Madden-Brothers-Greetings-From-California
  34. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/benji-and-joel-madden-introduce-new-band-the-madden-brothers-249370/
  35. https://www.altpress.com/the_madden_brothers_debut_we_are_done_music_video/
  36. https://news.pollstar.com/2014/10/10/greetings-from-the-madden-brothers/
  37. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/good-charlotte-veeps-when-we-were-young-pop-punk-1234852833/
  38. https://entertainmentvoice.com/2014/09/16/new-roles-life-produce-old-musical-styles-personal-lyrics-madden-brothers-greetings-california/
  39. https://www.musicvf.com/songs.php?page=artist&artist=Benji%2BMadden&tab=songaswriterchartstab
  40. https://popanthology.com/artists/hilary-duff/hilary-duff-wake-up/
  41. https://genius.com/5-seconds-of-summer-amnesia-lyrics/q/writer
  42. https://genius.com/All-time-low-how-the-story-ends-lyrics/q/writer
  43. https://www.hitsdailydouble.com/news/business/the-managers-madden-brothers-2025-07-28
  44. https://genius.com/artists/Benji-madden/songs
  45. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1010691/
  46. https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrities/benji-madden/
  47. https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/cameron-diaz-married-benji-madden-things-rocker/story?id=28013995
  48. https://www.labelnetworks.com/good-charlotte-members-with-la-artist-tal-cooperman-launch-dcma-collective-featuring-designs-from-select-street-graffiti-artists-with-music-inspired-sneaker-line/
  49. https://www.forbes.com/sites/rachelchang1/2020/03/31/good-charlottes-joel-madden-talks-coronavirus-quarantine-life-homeschooling-with-nicole-richie--why-he-launched-a-digital-platform-for-musicians/
  50. https://www.startribune.com/benji-madden-of-good-charlotte-talks-about-style/103547564/
  51. https://news.pollstar.com/2020/08/18/pollstar-live-digital-session-good-charlottes-benji-and-joel-madden-co-founders-of-mddn-and-veeps/
  52. https://mddn.co/management
  53. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/veeps-launches-new-suite-of-tv-and-mobile-apps-with-series-of-exclusive-concert-streams-301524003.html
  54. https://www.billboard.com/business/touring/veeps-all-access-live-nation-video-subscription-service-madden-brothers-1235431465/
  55. https://variety.com/2021/music/news/live-nation-acquires-livestream-veeps-1234887841/
  56. https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2022/01/alternative-press-is-no-longer-a-cleveland-magazine.html
  57. https://www.instagram.com/p/DM0WOrlApa-/?hl=en
  58. https://shortyawards.com/16th/artist-friendly-w-joel-madden
  59. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/benji-madden-and-m-shadows/id1665823746?i=1000727157791
  60. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/good-charlotte-motel-du-cap-album-announcement-1235360971/
  61. https://veeps.com/goodcharlotte/51b711c1-95b9-43d9-b446-4ba17ca0a627
  62. https://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/benji-madden
  63. https://news.un.org/en/story/2008/11/280712
  64. https://www.looktothestars.org/news/1528-joel-madden-visits-africa-for-unicef
  65. https://www.looktothestars.org/news/1821-celebrities-blog-in-the-new-year-for-unicef
  66. https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/good-charlotte-generation-rx-joel-benji-madden-interview-8475045/
  67. https://www.npr.org/2018/09/23/647844509/good-charlotte-speaks-to-generation-rx
  68. https://www.imdb.com/news/ni62133479/
  69. https://www.whosdatedwho.com/dating/sophie-monk-and-benji-madden
  70. https://www.mamamia.com.au/sophie-monk-dating-history/
  71. https://people.com/celebrity/exclusive-benji-madden-sophie-monk-engaged/
  72. https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/movies/its-over-for-sophie-monk-and-benji-madden/news-story/969b7c379f71a92b58aa6813d573b67e
  73. https://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a45990392/cameron-diaz-benji-madden-relationship-timeline/
  74. https://people.com/celebrity/cameron-diaz-marries-benji-madden/
  75. https://www.eonline.com/photos/14633/cameron-diaz-and-benji-madden-romance-rewind
  76. https://people.com/movies/cameron-diaz-benji-madden-relationship-timeline/
  77. https://pagesix.com/2024/03/22/parents/cameron-diaz-and-benji-madden-secretly-welcome-baby-no-2/
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  80. https://parade.com/celebrities/cameron-diaz-and-benji-maddens-children
  81. https://www.eonline.com/news/1022098/how-benji-and-joel-madden-went-from-bad-boy-rockers-to-the-most-reliable-husbands-in-hollywood
  82. https://people.com/parents/all-about-nicole-richie-kids/
  83. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0277371/
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  90. https://www.discogs.com/release/1972160-Kill-Hannah-Wake-Up-The-Sleepers
  91. https://genius.com/Tonight-alive-breakdown-lyrics
  92. https://open.spotify.com/track/5s816omJtxgUCRGEWhtjj1
  93. https://www.discogs.com/release/1620879-Apoptygma-Berzerk-Rocket-Science
  94. https://genius.com/Hollywood-undead-second-chances-lyrics
  95. https://rateyourmusic.com/artist/benji-madden/credits/
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