Fall Out Boy’s resident riff-slinger and curly-haired chaos merchant, Joe Trohman, has announced he’s stepping away from the band’s 2025 tour dates – and fans across the globe are both heartbroken and 100% understanding. The announcement came via a heartfelt social media post that had us all reaching for our eyeliner and blasting “Saturday” on repeat.
💬 What Did Joe Say?
In a statement posted to his Instagram (and later shared on Fall Out Boy’s official channels), Joe explained:
“Mental health is not a linear journey, and while I’ve made progress, it’s clear I need more time off the road to focus on recovery and stability. This wasn’t an easy decision, but it’s the right one.”
He added he’s still creatively involved with the band and fully supports the upcoming shows — but physically being on tour is too much right now.
🧠 Mental Health Matters (Even for Rockstars)
This isn’t Joe’s first time hitting pause. Back in 2023, he temporarily left the band shortly before the So Much (for) Stardust album dropped, citing mental health struggles. At the time, he said:
“My mental health had rapidly deteriorated over the past several years. Without taking a break to focus on myself, my wellbeing, and my family, I wouldn’t have survived.”
He returned later that year, looking refreshed and ready to scream into the void again — but like any real recovery, it’s never a one-and-done fix. And let’s be honest — being on tour in 2025 is hardly a chill picnic. It’s more like a whirlwind of jetlag, catering, and pretending you love hotel pillows.
🎤 What About the Tour?
Fall Out Boy are still set to hit the road HARD in 2025 with festival dates, headline arena shows, and potentially some sneaky club gigs thrown in for the emo faithful. And yes, Pete Wentz will still be doing backflips with a bass guitar like he’s auditioning for Cirque du Sad Boi.
The band hasn’t confirmed who’ll be filling in for Joe, but expect a killer substitute guitarist with enough energy to keep the pop-punk ship afloat. (We’re not saying Josh Freese will clone himself… but the man is everywhere lately.)
🖤 Fans React: Emo Twitter Is in Meltdown
As expected, the reaction was pure chaos and compassion:
- “Protect Joe Trohman at all costs. Mental health over everything. #GetWellJoe”
- “No Joe on tour? I’m just a notch in your bedpost but Joe’s just a line in your timeline 😭”
- “Fall Out Boy without Joe? That’s like Panic! without the exclamation mark!”
🔥 Why Joe Trohman Is a Legend
Let’s not forget: Joe’s tone, style, and no-nonsense attitude are essential to FOB’s DNA. He’s the guy who wrote some of those signature crunchy hooks, kept things heavy while still being catchy, and always looked like he was this close to body-slamming Pete into a drum kit (in a loving way).
From From Under The Cork Tree to Infinity on High, and through the post-hiatus experimental years, Joe’s presence has always been the glue that keeps FOB’s emo heart beating like a double kick drum.
🧡 Our Message to Joe
C’mon butt, take all the time you need. You’ve given us more riffs, memories, and perfectly timed grimaces than we can count. Your health matters way more than another sweaty arena show. We’ll be here waiting — black nail polish, busted Converse and all — whenever you’re ready to come back.
🎧 TL;DR (But Make It Sad and Loud)
- Joe Trohman won’t be touring with Fall Out Boy in 2025
- He’s stepping away to focus on his mental health and recovery
- The band supports his decision and tour dates will continue
- A replacement guitarist hasn’t been named yet
- Fans are flooding social media with love and support
Would a rock fan yell “YESS MUN!” after reading this?
You bet. And they’d probably follow it up with “Thnks fr th Mmrs” and a tear-streaked air guitar solo. 🎸
Michael is the founder, editor, and chief riff wrangler behind The Riff Report, an independent Welsh rock and metal publication built by fans, for fans. With a lifelong passion for loud guitars, unforgettable live shows, and the incredible community that surrounds rock and metal, he created The Riff Report to celebrate everything that makes the scene special—from legendary headline acts and grassroots venues to rising bands that deserve to be heard.
A familiar face at festivals across the UK, Michael spends much of the year covering events including Download Festival, Bloodstock Open Air, Steelhouse Festival, Firevolt, Plumpton Revival, and many more. Whether he’s battling the Welsh weather on a mountainside, surviving a weekend in a muddy campsite, or squeezed against the front barrier with thousands of fellow fans, he’s always searching for the next great story to share.
As editor of The Riff Report, Michael writes festival guides, breaking news, album reviews, gig reviews, interviews, opinion pieces, nostalgia features, and behind-the-scenes stories from across the rock and metal world. His writing combines honest opinions, humour, and a genuine love for live music, bringing readers closer to the bands, festivals, venues, and people that keep the scene alive.
Michael is particularly passionate about supporting independent artists, local venues, charities, and the wider UK rock and metal community. He believes every band deserves a chance to be discovered and every festival has a story worth telling. Through The Riff Report, he aims to shine a spotlight on both the biggest names in rock and the future stars waiting to break through.
When he’s not writing or interviewing artists, you’ll probably find him exploring festival campsites, photographing live shows, chatting with fellow fans over a pint, or planning the next road trip in search of more riffs, bigger crowds, and unforgettable moments.
Above all, Michael believes rock and metal are about more than music—they’re about community, friendship, and creating memories that last a lifetime. That’s exactly what The Riff Report exists to celebrate.
Proudly Welsh. Proudly Loud. Always chasing the next great riff. 🤘
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