This month marked the ninth anniversary of “City of Ocala,” the most famous song ever written about the Horse Capital of the World.
A Day to Remember released the ode to their hometown, “City of Ocala,” on March 9, 2015.
Although Ocala is not mentioned by name in the song, the video, which has amassed nearly 7 million views on the band’s YouTube channel, is a love letter to the city.
Formed in 2003, A Day to Remember currently consists of lead singer Jeremy McKinnon, lead guitarist Kevin Skaff, drummer Alex Shelnutt, and guitarist Neil Westfall.
The three-minute, thirty-second video for “City of Ocala” showcases a collection of city landmarks, homes, churches, and other venues that were apart of the band’s journey over the past two decades.Â
In the near-decade since the video was released, many of the landmarks and locations mentioned have since changed hands or closed.
In one shot, McKinnon stands outside of the former Boston Market located at 2650 SW College Road, where the singer held his first job.Â
That location, which was the last in Marion County, permanently closed its doors last year.
In another shot, Shelnutt stands outside of Saint John Lutheran School at 1915 SE Lake Weir Avenue with a sign that reads ”
According to one segment of the video, the band used to rent the Discovery Center for shows when the facility was used as a youth center. Located at Tuscawilla Park the building, which was previously an armory, was converted to the science center over a decade ago.
The video gives glimpses into the lives of the band members and how the band formed. That includes time at Belleview United Methodist Church, where some won the battle of the bands years prior.
Earlier this month, A Day to Remember announced the cities it will visit during The Least Anticipated Album Tour, which kicks off later this year.
This May, A Day to Remember will perform at Rockville in Daytona Beach.
For more information on the band, its music, or its upcoming shows, visit A Day to Remember online.