Patrick Stump, the lead singer of Fall Out Boy, reflected on the early days of the band’s success in a recent interview. Stump, now 40 years old, shared how he initially aspired to be like the Ska group Blue Meanies and never imagined the level of success that Fall Out Boy would achieve.
The journey began when Stump met guitarist Joe Trohman, which led to the formation of Fall Out Boy with Pete Wentz on bass. Their debut performance took place at DePaul University, marking the start of their music career. Stump had to convince his parents that pursuing music was a viable path, promising to return to school if it didn’t work out.
Despite initial doubts, Fall Out Boy gained momentum with their first record, “Take This to Your Grave,” and reached new heights with their major label debut, “From Under the Cork Tree,” which featured the hit song “Sugar, We’re Goin Down.” Stump emphasized that the band’s success was not overnight, as they had been touring and working for years before achieving mainstream recognition.
The singer recalled a surreal moment in New York’s Times Square when their music video played on a giant billboard screen, showcasing the band’s newfound fame. Stump also mentioned his involvement in Marvel’s Disney+ series “Spidey and His Amazing Friends,” highlighting his diverse interests and accomplishments outside of music.
Reflecting on Fall Out Boy’s journey, Stump acknowledged the unexpected turns and challenges they faced along the way. Despite the band’s early aspirations, their success exceeded their wildest dreams, proving that hard work and dedication can lead to remarkable achievements in the music industry.