Joe Trohman Returns to Fall Out Boy after Focusing on His Mental Health

Joe Trohman is back in action. 

Fall Out Boy’s lead guitarist and co-founder will return to the platinum-selling group. The guitarist turned to social media Monday (May 30) to announce the news. 

“Hey everyone, I’m officially back!” wrote Trohman on Instagram. “I want to thank everyone for the love and support while I took some time away to focus on my brain and get healthy for my family, my friends, and myself.” 

Trohman stepped away from the band after the release of their single “Love From the Other Side” and the announcement of their eighth studio album, So Much (for) Stardust. The collection arrived in March. 

Trohman continued to thank guitarist Ben Young, a former Deftones and Linkin Park member. Young replaced Trohman during the short hiatus. The guitarist described Young as a “true gentleman and a scholar.”

Trohman announced his departure in mid-January to prioritize his mental health. 

“Neil Young once howled that it’s better to burn out than to fade away. But I can tell you unequivocally that burning out is dreadful. Without divulging all the details, I must disclose that my mental health has rapidly deteriorated over the past several years,” he explained in a statement. “So, to avoid fading away and never returning, I will be taking a break from work which regrettably includes stepping away from Fall Out Boy for a spell.” 

He continued, “It pains me to make this decision, especially when we are releasing a new album that fills me with great pride (the sin I’m most proud of). So, the question remains: Will I return to the fold? Absolutely, one-hundred percent. In the meantime, I must recover which means putting myself and my mental health first. Thank you to everyone, including my bandmates and family, for understanding and respecting this difficult, but necessary, decision.” 

Frontman Patrick Stump told NME that Trohman’s unmatched talents shine through on the 13-song collection. He mentioned that the band was supportive and kept his “seat warm” as he healed his mind, body, and soul. 

“He’s 100 percent in the band and on that record,” Stump told the outlet. “He has this work ethic where he really has to be there, but he called us up and said that his doctor told him he needed a break. We told him, ‘Take the break, your seat’s warm, you’re not any less a part of it.’ … I’m really proud of him. It’s really brave. I’m so impressed with the way he’s able to just share, because I’m a very reserved person. I admire him.”

Fall Out Boy will kick off their run at Wrigley Field in Chicagoland on June 21 and will wrap in early November. Tickets are available for purchase, HERE. 

Photo by Timothy Norris/Getty Images for Live Nation