Joe Trohman Announces His Exit From Fall Out Boy

This year, Fall Out Boys will release a new album. Simultaneously, the band’s founding guitarist, Joe Trohman, announced that he was leaving the band. Trohman is now trying to shift his focus to himself and not on music.

Trohman has been with the band since its early 2000s but he thinks it’s time to take some time off. Fall Out Boy shared a statement attributed to Trohman on social media. The musician cited mental health troubles as the overwhelming factor behind the decision to exit the band.

“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. 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.“

The guitarist assured the fans that his decision to leave is not permanent. He wishes to return to the band once he feels it’s perfect for him. According to Joe, his mental health has deteriorated over the past few years and it’s direct feedback to those problems.

“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.“

Even before the announcement, Trohman started to leave Fall Out Boy concerts. The band’s appearance at the Los Angeles festival Alter Ego earlier this month was canceled due to the absence of the guitarist. Trohman’s departure comes as Fall Out Boy prepares to release “So Much (for) Stardust” on March 24.

Joe has expressed his sadness over this announcement. However, his recovery from the struggles he’s facing always comes first. He moreover thanked his bandmates and family for understanding him and respecting the decision.

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