When "The Middle" was released, the success of the album and the band was dependent on the single breaking through. By early 2002, the song had reached the top of the "Billboard" Modern Rock Tracks chart. The song then crossed over to top 40 radio, resulting in it reaching a peak of number five on the "Billboard" Hot 100. Although they would have more Top 40 hits on the former chart, "The Middle" remains their sole Top 40 hit on the Hot 100 to date. It was also the band's only appearance on the "Billboard" Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, peaking at number 39. The song also charted in the UK, reaching a peak of number 26 in 2002. "The Middle" was the most commercially successful single released from "Bleed American". The band toured extensively behind the album, touring with Weezer, Tenacious D, Green Day, Blink-182, and the Vans Warped Tour as well as the band's own headlining tour.