Twenty One Pilots: Did You Know?
Unmasking Twenty One Pilots: 7 Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About the Band
Twenty One Pilots, the genre-defying duo of Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun, have built a massive following with their infectious beats, introspective lyrics, and unique blend of indie, pop, hip-hop, and alt-rock. While hits like “Stressed Out” and “Heathens” have earned them global fame, there are plenty of fascinating stories behind the band’s rise to the top. Let’s dive into some fun facts and lesser-known details that even the most die-hard fans might not know!
1. The Name Comes from a Play
The name "Twenty One Pilots" isn’t just random. It was inspired by Arthur Miller’s play All My Sons, a story about a man who causes the death of 21 pilots during World War II due to faulty airplane parts he knowingly sold. Tyler Joseph, the band’s lead vocalist, was studying the play in college and was struck by its themes of morality, consequences, and responsibility—ideas that continue to resonate in the band’s lyrics.
2. Tyler Joseph Recorded the First Album in His Basement
Before they became the polished, arena-filling band we know today, Tyler Joseph recorded Twenty One Pilots’ debut album all by himself in his basement. Armed with only basic recording equipment, Joseph played every instrument and handled all the production. This DIY ethos would become a hallmark of the band, even as their sound evolved.
3. The Band Almost Didn’t Exist
Before Josh Dun joined the band, Twenty One Pilots consisted of three members—Tyler Joseph, Nick Thomas, and Chris Salih. However, both Thomas and Salih left the band in 2011, leaving Joseph to figure out what to do next. Enter Josh Dun, a former drummer at Guitar Center, who joined the band after being invited by Joseph. Their chemistry clicked instantly, and the rest, as they say, is history!
4. They Have a Secret Code Language with Their Fans
Twenty One Pilots fans, also known as the Skeleton Clique, are known for their deep connection with the band, and part of that bond comes from the secret symbols and codes the band uses. For example, the use of the letters “Ø” and the color yellow in their music and merchandise represents overcoming mental obstacles. These hidden meanings give the fans something deeper to explore in the band's work and reflect their commitment to helping others through their music.
5. Tyler Joseph is Afraid of Bishops… Kind of
Fans of Twenty One Pilots will know about the fictional character "Blurryface," representing insecurity and self-doubt. But did you know Tyler Joseph has a similar fear of "bishops"? In the lore surrounding their Trench album, bishops are figures of oppression and fear. In interviews, Joseph has shared how this symbolism stems from his own experiences with anxiety, illustrating the band’s penchant for weaving their personal struggles into larger, cryptic narratives.
6. They Almost Lost "Stressed Out"
"Stressed Out" is arguably one of Twenty One Pilots' biggest hits, but it almost didn’t make it onto the radio. At first, music execs were unsure if the song was "radio-friendly" because of its unique blend of genres and unconventional structure. However, thanks to the band’s loyal fanbase and relentless touring, the song gained traction, eventually catapulting them into the mainstream and earning them a Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
7. Josh Dun Was Once Banned from Playing the Trumpet
Before he became the high-energy drummer we know and love, Josh Dun played the trumpet as a kid. However, his rebellious streak led him to practice by playing extremely loud at home, much to the dismay of his parents. Eventually, they banned him from playing the trumpet altogether—fortunately for fans, this led him to pick up the drums, and the rest is history!
Twenty One Pilots' journey has been anything but ordinary, filled with creative risks, personal growth, and a deep connection with their fans. Whether through hidden messages in their music or unique genre blends, Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun have created a musical world that feels both personal and universal. Now, with these fun facts in mind, you might just catch something new the next time you listen to their songs!
One of the most meaningful lines from Twenty One Pilots' smash hit "Stressed Out" is:
"Wish we could turn back time, to the good old days, when our momma sang us to sleep but now we're stressed out."
This line resonates with many because it captures the universal feeling of nostalgia for simpler times, juxtaposed with the pressures and anxieties of adulthood. It speaks to the longing for childhood innocence and the realization that growing up often brings stress, responsibility, and a loss of carefree moments. This theme of grappling with adulthood and mental health is a core message of the song.