For the first time in 22 years, the New Radicals are to reunite for Joe Biden’s inauguration this week. The band are best known for their 1998 hit, “You Get What You Give”.
The New Radicals will perform this hit as part of a virtual Biden-Harris “Parade Across America”. They are reportedly closing the event following the Swearing-in ceremony.
“Bright again”
In a statement their frontman, Gregg Alexander said that they hope the song shines “the tiniest beacon of light in such a dark time”.
“If there’s one thing on Earth that would possibly make us get the band together, if only for a day, it is the hope that our song could be even the tiniest beacon of light in such a dark time” Alexander said.
Alexander added that Biden’s election victory will make America “bright again”. As opposed to “Great Again” you might say!
Alexander continued, “America knows in its heart that things will get bright again with a new administration and a real plan for vaccines on the way. That’s the message of the song… this world is gonna pull through”.
What “You Get What You Give” means to Biden
The hit rose to prominence in 2020 when Kamala Harris’ husband and future Second Gentleman, Doug Emhoff, used it as his walk on song during the campaign trail.
President elect, Joe Biden has spoken about his own personal affiliation with the song. Biden said it was an inspiration as a track during his son Beau’s cancer battle. Biden mentioned how his son would “make him listen to” what he thought was his “theme song”.
Beau Biden sadly passed away in 2015 after battling cancer.
In his 2018 memoir, Promise Me Dad, Beau’s father Joe said, “During breakfast, Beau would often make me listen to what I thought was his theme song, ‘You Get What You Give’ by the New Radicals”.
Biden continued, “Even though Beau never stopped fighting and his will to live was stronger than most – I think he knew that this day might come. The words to the song are: This whole damn world can fall apart. You’ll be ok, follow your heart”.
Gregg Alexander also described performing this song after so long as an “honour”. He also spoke of his deep respect for Joe Biden’s son Beau for his military record.
He stated, “Performing the song again after such a long time is a huge honour because we all have deep respect for Beau’s military service and such high hopes for the unity and normalcy Joe and Kamala will bring our country again in this time of crisis”.
Lady Gaga, Foo Fighters, Bruce Springsteen and Justin Timberlake are to perform at the event. Will.i.am and Fall Out Boy are to play at the pre-auguration “We The People” concert.
