Fall Out Boy emerged from the vibrant Chicago hardcore scene in the early 2000s and transformed into one of the defining bands of 21st-century emo. Their journey from a small punk band to mainstream icons is marked by a series of pivotal moments, including sold-out shows and chart-topping albums.
In 2001, bassist Pete Wentz and guitarist Joe Trohman formed Fall Out Boy, later bringing in vocalist and guitarist Patrick Stump and drummer Andy Hurley. They signed with independent label Fueled By Ramen, releasing their debut album, Take This to Your Grave, in 2003. This album showcased their unique blend of catchy melodies and hardcore influences, earning them an enthusiastic following despite mixed reviews.
The band’s early performances, such as a chaotic gig at the Knights of Columbus in Arlington Heights, Illinois, highlighted their raw energy. During the filming of their first single, “Dead On Arrival,” the venue became overcrowded, leading to a police shutdown. Stump recalled the overwhelming experience, saying, “I thought I was going to die.”
By 2005, excitement around the band was palpable, especially after they joined the Warped Tour alongside fellow rising stars like My Chemical Romance. Wentz noted the contrast between their early shows and the growing crowds, stating, “We get asked, ‘How does it feel to be an overnight success?’ But I swear to God we played so many shows to one person it’s insane.”
As the band began work on their second album, From Under the Cork Tree, they caught the attention of major label Island Records. Recording took place in California, and the album’s release marked a significant turning point. The lead single, “Sugar, We’re Goin’ Down,” became one of the year’s biggest hits, propelling the band into the mainstream. Stump wrote the song in just ten minutes, recognizing its potential beyond a typical punk anthem.
In its first three months, From Under the Cork Tree sold over 500,000 copies and achieved platinum status by September 2005. The album’s polished sound and deeply personal lyrics resonated with fans, creating a sense of community among those grappling with similar issues. Wentz’s candid exploration of relationships and mental health struck a chord, providing listeners with relatable narratives.
Fall Out Boy’s popularity soared, leading to extensive media coverage and performances on platforms like MTV’s Total Request Live. Their presence on Warped Tour evolved as they joined the main stage, sharing it with My Chemical Romance and a then-unknown Paramore. In 2006, emo music reached new heights, with Fall Out Boy and their contemporaries becoming household names.
The band’s rapid rise was not without challenges. Wentz faced personal struggles with depression and anxiety, culminating in a 2005 incident that required hospitalization. He candidly discussed this experience in interviews, highlighting the pressures of sudden fame. “I just wanted to have my head shut up. I didn’t really think about whether I slept or died,” he told The Independent.
Despite these challenges, From Under the Cork Tree solidified Fall Out Boy’s status. Its follow-up album, Infinity on High, released in 2007, expanded their sound and included a collaboration with Jay-Z. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard chart, selling over 260,000 copies in its first week.
As they navigated their success, Wentz began focusing on brand expansion, launching Decaydance Records and promoting his clothing line, Clandestine Industries. His entrepreneurial spirit set Fall Out Boy apart within the emo scene, allowing them to reach wider audiences and redefine their image.
While their subsequent album, Folie à Deux, released in 2008, diverged from their earlier style, it has since gained appreciation for its bold experimentation. The influence of their initial work can still be felt in today’s music, impacting artists from Olivia Rodrigo to Yungblud.
Reflecting on their journey, Wentz remarked, “We were a really weird punk band that came out of hardcore, randomly ended up on TRL and were shot into this vortex of the mainstream.” As Fall Out Boy celebrates over two decades in the industry, their lasting impact on music and culture continues to resonate, affirming their status as icons of the emo genre.
