Feature Photo: Drew de F Fawkes from Guildford, United Kingdom, CC BY 2.0
Fall Out Boy didn’t just step onto the scene—they crashed into it, reshaping the sound of 2000s rock with their explosive blend of pop-punk energy, razor-sharp lyrics, and anthemic hooks that turned underground misfits into arena-filling rockstars. Formed in Wilmette, Illinois, in 2001, the band came together through Chicago’s thriving punk and hardcore circles, with bassist Pete Wentz and guitarist Joe Trohman spearheading the project before finding the missing pieces in vocalist/guitarist Patrick Stump and drummer Andy Hurley. With a natural knack for crafting infectious melodies laced with introspective and often self-deprecating lyrics, Fall Out Boy quickly carved out a space for themselves, building a devoted fanbase through relentless touring and word-of-mouth buzz.
Their full-length debut, Take This to Your Grave (2003), laid the groundwork for what would become an unparalleled career. While it didn’t initially storm the charts, the album became a cult favorite, solidifying their reputation as one of the most promising new acts in alternative rock. The breakthrough came two years later with From Under the Cork Tree (2005), a record that catapulted them into mainstream consciousness with massive singles like “Sugar, We’re Goin Down” and “Dance, Dance.” These tracks, driven by Stump’s soaring vocals and Wentz’s lyrical wit, became anthems of the mid-2000s, turning the band into one of the defining acts of their era.
Rather than settling into a formula, Fall Out Boy doubled down on reinvention with Infinity on High (2007), which infused their pop-punk roots with grandiose production and R&B influences. Tracks like “This Ain’t a Scene, It’s an Arms Race” and “Thnks fr th Mmrs” showcased a band unafraid to evolve, leading to even greater commercial success. However, as fame intensified, so did internal pressures. Following Folie à Deux (2008), a more experimental album that polarized fans and critics, Fall Out Boy went on hiatus in 2009, leaving their future uncertain.
Their return in 2013 with Save Rock and Roll marked one of the most triumphant comebacks in modern rock history. Fueled by the fiery lead single “My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark (Light Em Up),” the album reintroduced them to a new generation of fans. They continued their momentum with American Beauty/American Psycho (2015), featuring hits like “Centuries” and “Uma Thurman,” and Mania (2018), which pushed their sound into electronic-tinged territory. Their most recent album, So Much (for) Stardust (2023), saw them return to their roots while embracing their love of theatrical, cinematic rock.
Over the years, Fall Out Boy has amassed a staggering collection of accolades, from Grammy nominations to American Music Awards and MTV Video Music Awards. They’ve headlined festivals, toured the globe, and maintained a level of relevance few bands from their scene have managed to sustain. Beyond the music, Pete Wentz’s Decaydance Records played a crucial role in launching acts like Panic! at the Disco, further cementing their influence on the alternative rock landscape.
Outside of their chart dominance, the band has been deeply involved in philanthropy. They have supported organizations like UNICEF and the Make-A-Wish Foundation and even donated tour proceeds to various charities. Whether through their music or activism, Fall Out Boy has consistently found ways to leave an impact beyond the stage.