Joe Trohman, the guitarist for Fall Out Boy, announced on January 18, 2023, that he is taking a temporary break from the band to focus on his mental health. In a heartfelt message shared with fans on Instagram, Trohman explained his decision, revealing that his mental health has been rapidly deteriorating over the past few years. His announcement came just before the band’s highly anticipated album So Much (For) Stardust was set to release in March.
Trohman, 38, shared how difficult it was to step away from Fall Out Boy, especially during such a pivotal time. He cited Neil Young’s famous quote, “It’s better to burn out than to fade away,” but clarified that he had learned firsthand that burning out is a painful experience. While he didn’t go into specific details about the challenges he’s faced, he acknowledged the strain his mental health has had on him.
Despite his break, Trohman reassured fans that he would eventually return to the band. “Will I return to the fold? Absolutely, one-hundred percent,” he wrote, emphasizing that his recovery was the priority for now. He expressed gratitude for the support of his bandmates—Patrick Stump, Pete Wentz, and Andy Hurley—as well as his family, acknowledging that stepping away was a necessary decision, though painful.
In his message, Trohman also expressed pride in Fall Out Boy’s new album, saying it was something he was incredibly proud of. The release of So Much (For) Stardust was bittersweet for him, as he would not be part of the immediate promotional efforts. However, Trohman made it clear that he was grateful for the understanding and respect shown by both his bandmates and his fans.
Trohman’s fans responded with overwhelming support, with many taking to social media to express their love and encouragement. “Mental health above everything else,” one fan wrote, while another added, “We love you, Joe. Go take care of yourself.” The outpouring of support was a testament to how much Trohman’s well-being matters to his followers.
In the wake of Trohman’s announcement, it’s clear that he is taking the necessary steps to prioritize his mental health, which is crucial in today’s fast-paced, high-pressure music industry. Fans are patiently awaiting his return, confident that he will come back stronger when the time is right.
For now, Joe Trohman is focusing on himself, but his fans eagerly await his eventual return to Fall Out Boy, knowing that mental health should always come first.