Fall Out Boy Guitarist Joe Trohman Announces Exit To Handle 'Deteriorated' Mental Health

Joe Trohman, the lead guitarist of the famous band Fall Out Boy, has announced he's leaving the band temporarily. Trohman shared a message with fans and revealed he's taking the break to focus on his "rapidly deteriorated" mental health. He'd already begun withdrawing from band events, such as their recent performance at the Alter Ego Festival in Los Angeles.

The guitarist made the announcement the same day the band announced their eighth studio album, which drops on March 24th. They've released the first single from the upcoming album, titled "Love From The Other Side," and an accompanying video. In his announcement, Trohman noted that his leave is temporary and he'll return once he's ready.

Trohman thanked his bandmates, family, and fans for respecting his difficult decision and being supportive.

Read on to find out more.

In an Instagram post on Wednesday, Trohman announced that he's leaving "Fall Out Boy" temporarily for mental health reasons. He wrote, "Without divulging all the details, I must disclose that my mental health has rapidly deteriorated over the past several years." Trohman was one of the founding members of the band, alongside Pete Wentz, and they've been performing since 2001.

His message continued, "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." Trohman was already withdrawing from band events before his Instagram announcement. He was notably absent from their recent performance at the Alter Ego Festival in Los Angeles.

The same day Trohman made his announcement, "Fall Out Boy" announced their eighth studio album in another Instagram post. The album, titled "So Much (for) Stardust," is slated for release on March 24th this year.

They also announced the release of the album's first single, "Love From The Other Side," which has an accompanying video. The release of "So Much (for) Stardust" marks the band's first album since the release of "Mania" in 2018.

The excitement about the new single and upcoming album was clear from the comment section. Fans shared their excitement in the comments and praised the new song. One comment read, "I'm so sorry (not) for the person I will become on March 24 and even now." Another read, "This is the best thing you've put out in over a decade, and I'm crying. Welcome back bois."

Trohman's message about his absence also assured fans that it's a temporary situation and that he plans to "one-hundred percent" return to the band once he feels better and is ready. He wrote, "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)."

Trohman concluded the post with, "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. Smell you sooner than later."

In the comment section of Trohman's post, hundreds of fans poured out messages of love and support to the guitarist and his bandmates. They encouraged him to take time off and heal properly. One message read, "Take all the time you need Joe! We'll be waiting for you, as long as it takes! Love you so much and wishing you good health."

A particularly emotional comment read, "One of the things about this fandom is the (mostly) willingness to respect and prioritize mental health. You (Joe) and your bandmates have always been open about the struggles you have had and have helped us, your audience, accept our own struggles and reach out for help."

The comment further stated, "So many fellow fans have said how you have changed, or even saved, their lives. The least that we can do is return to you the kindness, support, and love that you have constantly and selflessly given to us. We love you, Joe."