Fall Out Boy

Fall Out Boy is an American rock band formed in 2001 in Wilmette, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. The group consists of Patrick Stump (lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist), Pete Wentz (bassist and lyricist), Joe Trohman (lead guitarist), and Andy Hurley (drummer). Originating from Chicago’s hardcore punk scene, the band started as a side project for Wentz and Trohman. Soon after, Stump joined as the vocalist, and after cycling through multiple drummers, Hurley became a permanent member. Their debut album, Take This to Your Grave (2003), became an underground success, earning the band a dedicated fan base through relentless touring and energetic performances.

In 2005, Fall Out Boy’s major-label breakthrough came with From Under the Cork Tree. The album produced two hit singles, “Sugar, We’re Goin Down” and “Dance, Dance,” both of which contributed to the album’s double-platinum certification. The success of From Under the Cork Tree elevated the band to superstardom, particularly Wentz, whose personal life and tabloid presence made him a public figure. Fall Out Boy received a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist in 2006, further solidifying their place in mainstream music.

The band’s next album, Infinity on High (2007), debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, selling 260,000 copies in its first week. It produced hits like “This Ain’t a Scene, It’s an Arms Race” and “Thnks fr th Mmrs,” expanding their global reach. However, their follow-up album, Folie à Deux (2008), was less commercially successful and received mixed reviews. After releasing a greatest hits album in 2009, Fall Out Boy went on hiatus, with each member pursuing individual projects.

In 2013, Fall Out Boy reunited with the release of Save Rock and Roll, which debuted at number one and featured the hit single “My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark (Light Em Up).” The band continued to experiment with their sound, releasing American Beauty/American Psycho in 2015, which also reached number one on the Billboard 200 and featured the top 10 single “Centuries.” Their versatility was further showcased in the remix album Make America Psycho Again, which included collaborations with hip-hop artists like Migos and Wiz Khalifa.

The band’s 2018 album, Mania, marked their fourth album to debut at number one, earning them another Grammy nomination for Best Rock Album. In 2023, Fall Out Boy released their eighth studio album, So Much (for) Stardust, produced by Neal Avron, returning to their earlier guitar-driven sound. Singles like “Love from the Other Side” and “Hold Me Like a Grudge” were well-received, and guitarist Joe Trohman rejoined the band after taking a break for mental health reasons.

Fall Out Boy’s musical style spans pop-punk, pop rock, and emo, with elements of hardcore punk, R&B, and electronic music. Their sound is largely shaped by Wentz’s introspective and often ironic lyrics, inspired by personal experiences and literary influences. The band’s ability to evolve while staying true to their roots has allowed them to remain influential in both the pop-punk and mainstream rock scenes. Their legacy is defined by their chart-topping hits, genre-blending experimentation, and a loyal fan base cultivated over two decades.