Fall Out Boy: Did You Know?
10 Fun Facts About Fall Out Boy You Probably Didn’t Know!
Fall Out Boy has been a driving force in pop-punk for over two decades, delivering hits like “Sugar, We’re Goin Down” and “Thnks fr th Mmrs.” But behind the catchy hooks and dramatic lyrics are some pretty wild stories and fun facts. Let’s dive into some lesser-known tidbits about the band!
1. The Band Name Was Chosen by a Fan
Believe it or not, Fall Out Boy wasn’t the band’s first choice for a name! In fact, they didn’t even pick it themselves. At one of their early shows, they asked the audience to help them choose a name. A fan shouted out “Fall Out Boy,” a reference to the sidekick of Radioactive Man from The Simpsons, and it stuck!
2. Pete Wentz Saved Patrick Stump from a Boring Job
Before joining Fall Out Boy, lead singer Patrick Stump was working at a local Borders bookstore and studying to become a neuropsychologist. Luckily, bassist Pete Wentz convinced him to focus on music instead. Stump has said that joining the band changed his life path entirely, and we’re all thankful he chose music over textbooks!
3. Pete Wentz Wrote Most of Their Early Lyrics
Though Patrick Stump is the voice of Fall Out Boy, Pete Wentz was the main lyricist for most of their early songs. In fact, Wentz has admitted that many of the band’s lyrics were inspired by his personal struggles with mental health, relationships, and self-identity. The emotional depth behind the band’s lyrics is part of what has made their music resonate with so many fans.
4. Patrick Stump Played Almost Every Instrument on Their First Album
When the band was recording their debut album, Take This to Your Grave, there were some complications with their drummer and guitarist. As a result, Patrick Stump stepped up and played drums, guitar, and piano on most of the tracks. His multi-instrumental talents really helped shape the band’s early sound!
5. They Almost Broke Up Before “Sugar, We’re Goin Down”
Right before their breakout hit, the band was struggling. They had toured relentlessly, weren’t making much money, and were unsure about their future. They even considered breaking up! But after releasing “Sugar, We’re Goin Down”, everything changed. The song catapulted them to mainstream success, and they’ve been going strong ever since.
6. Pete Wentz Had His Own Clothing Line
Known for his fashion-forward style, Pete Wentz decided to start his own clothing line in 2007 called Clandestine Industries. The brand sold everything from graphic tees to accessories and even got a shoutout in the music video for their song "Thnks fr th Mmrs". While the brand eventually closed down, it was a big part of the Fall Out Boy culture in the mid-2000s.
7. The Infamous “Pete Wentz Bass Toss”
Pete Wentz is known for his high-energy performances, but one time his stage antics backfired. During a concert, he tried to toss his bass guitar in the air, but instead of catching it, it hit him square in the face. Ouch! Luckily, Wentz wasn’t seriously hurt, and it became one of the band’s most talked-about live moments.
8. Patrick Stump Hated His Signature Hat
In the early years, Patrick Stump was often seen wearing a signature newsboy hat. Fans loved it, but Stump wasn’t a fan at all! He later admitted that he wore it because he was insecure about his appearance and thought the hat would be a good distraction. Eventually, he ditched the hat, and it became a symbol of his growth in confidence.
9. They Have a Surprise Cameo in “Sex Drive”
Fall Out Boy made a random (and hilarious) cameo in the 2008 comedy movie "Sex Drive." The band plays themselves during a concert scene, and Pete Wentz even has a quick line about how the band doesn’t get into drama. It’s a fun and unexpected Easter egg for die-hard fans of the band!
10. Pete Wentz and Brendon Urie from Panic! at the Disco Are Longtime Friends
Before Panic! at the Disco became a huge success, Pete Wentz discovered their demos on the internet and helped sign the band to his label, Decaydance Records. Wentz has been a major influence on Brendon Urie’s career, and the two bands have often supported each other on tour and in the studio. Their friendship helped fuel the success of both bands in the emo scene!
From name origins to hidden movie cameos, Fall Out Boy’s history is packed with quirky moments and fascinating stories. Whether you’ve been a fan since the “Take This to Your Grave” days or discovered them through their more recent hits, Fall Out Boy’s journey has been anything but boring.
Fall Out Boy has delivered countless memorable lines over the years, but one of their most meaningful comes from the song "What a Catch, Donnie" off their album Folie à Deux:
"I will never end up like him / Behind my back, I already am."
This line, sung by Patrick Stump and written by Pete Wentz, speaks to themes of self-reflection, insecurity, and the fear of becoming something you never wanted to be. It’s a deeply personal lyric, and many fans interpret it as Wentz grappling with his own struggles with mental health and the pressures of fame. The song is a bittersweet tribute to both the band's journey and the emotional turmoil they've faced.
It’s one of those lines that resonates with listeners on a profound level, capturing the universal feeling of fighting inner demons while trying to stay true to oneself.