Patrick Stump Says He’s ‘Ridiculously Lucky’ That Fall Out Boy ‘Has Lasted This Long’: A Grateful Reflection on an Unlikely Journey
In a music landscape where bands come and go, Fall Out Boy has proven to be a rare survivor. Over two decades after bursting onto the scene, the band continues to sell out arenas, release chart-topping records, and connect with a multi-generational fanbase. For frontman Patrick Stump, this longevity isn’t just a testament to their talent—it’s something he considers “ridiculously lucky.”
Speaking candidly in a recent interview, Stump reflected on the improbable durability of Fall Out Boy’s career. “You don’t start a band thinking you’re going to be here 20-plus years later,” he said. “You think you’re going to put out a record, maybe two, play a few shows, and that’s it. The fact that we’re still here—it’s beyond what I ever thought was possible. I’m ridiculously lucky.”
A Rollercoaster Ride of Success, Breaks, and Reinvention
Fall Out Boy’s journey hasn’t always been smooth. After achieving massive mainstream success with albums like From Under the Cork Tree and Infinity on High, the band hit a creative and emotional wall, leading to a hiatus in 2009. For many bands, that could have been the end.
But in 2013, Fall Out Boy made one of the most memorable comebacks in pop-punk history with Save Rock and Roll, ushering in a new era of success that propelled them into stadium tours and broader musical experimentation.
“I think we’ve been through every stage a band can go through—obscurity, massive success, burnout, hiatus, comeback, reinvention—and somehow, we always find our way back to each other,” Stump shared. “There’s something really special about that.”
Grateful for the Fans
Stump was quick to credit Fall Out Boy’s passionate, loyal fanbase for their sustained relevance. “We don’t take any of this for granted,” he emphasized. “The fans who have stuck with us through the different eras, the weird experiments, the sound changes—they’ve given us the freedom to grow, and we owe them everything.”
Still Looking Ahead
Despite their lengthy career, Stump says the band still feels energized and curious. “We’re not done,” he smiled. “As long as we’re excited about making music together, there’s always more we can do. That’s the beauty of this band—we still surprise each other.”
For Patrick Stump, Fall Out Boy’s lasting impact isn’t something he planned. It’s a stroke of luck, a gift, and a result of friendships that have endured fame, fatigue, and the changing tides of the music industry.
“We got lucky,” he concluded, “but we’ve also worked really hard to honor that luck.”
