Growing up in Waldorf, Maryland, twin brothers Joel and Benji Everly never considered playing music until they were both 16 years old and became inspired by watching the Beastie Boys on their Ill Communication tour. A passion was born, and Benji went home and dug a cheap guitar out of the closet, while good friend and future bassist Paul taught him a few basic chords. Another high school buddy, Aaron, quit the football team to play drums and supply studio space in his house.

In 1998, the twins along with Paul and Aaron moved to Annapolis to join its thriving music scene. Surviving on a series of low-paying jobs, the band played everywhere they could from local parties to bars and clubs, which is where they met their future guitarist, Billy. Things moved fast for the young group. Unsigned Good Charlotte played with Blink-182 and Bad Religion, and opened for Lit on a sold-out East Coast tour. A demo of their single "The Little Things" made its way to Philadelphia modern rock station WPLY (Y100) and broke a record on the station's show of dueling songs. After being courted by a variety of labels, they finally signed with Epic Records.

Producer Don Gilmore (Lit, Eve 6) was recruited to guide the quintet through their self-titled debut album, which was released in 2000. The record was a playful punk-lite rock collection, and it succeeded in putting Good Charlotte on the same map as Blink-182. Soon after, Joel and Benji were recruited by MTV to host the late-night rock show "All Things Rock," which gave them tremendous exposure and created a buzz about their follow-up. It was no surprise then when the 2002 The Young and the Hopeless came charging out of the gates on the strength of the incredibly catchy instant hit, "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous." The band hit the road on the Warped Tour in 2002 with New Found Glory.