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Twenty One Pilots

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Band Timeline

2009

Formation and Debut Album Release

Twenty One Pilots was formed in Columbus, Ohio, in 2009 by Tyler Joseph alongside Nick Thomas and Chris Salih. They originally formed as a trio and released their self-titled debut album 'Twenty One Pilots' on December 29, 2009. The band played various local venues, showcasing a mix of styles influenced by metal, hardcore, and electronic music. The early period involved grassroots promotion and experimentation with their live performances, including costumes and acrobatics to engage audiences.
2011

Lineup Change and Regional at Best Album

In 2011, original members Nick Thomas and Chris Salih left the band, and Josh Dun joined on drums and percussion, forming the duo of Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun that continues today. That year, the band independently released their second album, 'Regional at Best'. The departure of the original members marked a significant shift, leading to a renewed focus on the band's evolving sound and performances as a duo, which would be critical to their subsequent commercial success.
2012

Signing with Fueled by Ramen

In 2012, Twenty One Pilots signed with the major record label Fueled by Ramen. This deal marked a turning point in their career by providing wider distribution, promotion, and resources for their music. This partnership set the stage for their breakthrough success and enabled the release of their third studio album under a major label, allowing them to reach a national and international audience.
2013

Release of Vessel Album

Their major-label debut 'Vessel' was released in 2013. The album was remarkable for achieving a milestone where every track received at least a gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). 'Vessel' showcased their distinctive genre blending of rap, rock, and indie pop and helped to elevate their profile in the alternative music scene, reinforcing a dedicated fanbase and critical recognition.
2015

Breakthrough with Blurryface and Hit Singles

The duo's fourth album 'Blurryface' was released in 2015 and became a major commercial success. It produced hit singles such as 'Stressed Out' and 'Ride', both of which achieved high chart positions and widespread acclaim. This album was historically significant as every track on 'Blurryface' also received at least a gold certification from the RIAA, making them the first band to accomplish this feat twice. Their song 'Heathens', released in conjunction with the 'Suicide Squad' film soundtrack, further established their mainstream success and made them the first alternative artist with two concurrent top five singles on the Billboard Hot 100.
2016

Grammy Recognition and Continued Success

In 2016, Twenty One Pilots earned a Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for 'Stressed Out' at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards. This recognition was a major milestone, legitimizing their commercial success within the music industry. They also continued to dominate alternative music charts with multiple number-one hits on the Alternative Airplay chart, tying them with Foo Fighters for the fifth-most number ones in this category, solidifying their prominence in modern alternative music.
2018

Trench Album Release and Further Artistic Development

Their fifth studio album 'Trench' was released in October 2018. This album showcased further artistic growth with more intricate storytelling and thematic depth focusing on mental health, anxiety, and self-identity. It was accompanied by innovative marketing campaigns and a dedicated tour that expanded their global fanbase. 'Trench' reinforced Twenty One Pilots' reputation for blending meaningful lyrics with eclectic soundscapes, pushing the boundaries of alternative music.
2021

Scaled and Icy Album Release During the Pandemic

In May 2021, Twenty One Pilots released their sixth studio album, 'Scaled and Icy'. Produced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the album offered a somewhat lighter and more upbeat tone compared to their previous work. The band adapted to the changing music landscape by incorporating livestream performances and virtual engagement with fans, maintaining their connection despite global tour restrictions. This period demonstrated their resilience and continued relevance in a rapidly evolving industry.
2024

Release of Clancy Album

In May 2024, Twenty One Pilots released their seventh studio album, 'Clancy'. The album continued to explore new musical directions and thematic content, further expanding their artistic identity. 'Clancy' was highly anticipated and released to critical and fan acclaim, showcasing the duo's ability to evolve while maintaining the signature elements that have defined their sound and connected deeply with audiences across the globe.
2025

Upcoming Breach Album Set for Release

Looking ahead, Twenty One Pilots are set to release their eighth studio album 'Breach' in September 2025. Expectations are high for this album as it promises to build upon their extensive catalog of innovative and emotionally resonant music. The release is anticipated to further cement their status as a leading force in alternative music, continuing their trajectory of both artistic experimentation and commercial success.

Albums

twenty-one-pilots_1st_album
Twenty One Pilots
14 tracks
2009
twenty-one-pilots_2nd_album
Regional at Best
14 tracks
2011
twenty-one-pilots_3rd_album
Vessel
12 tracks
2012
twenty-one-pilots_4th_album
Blurryface
14 tracks
2015
📷
No Image
Blurryface Live
7 tracks
2016
📷
No Image
Trench (Vocals)
14 tracks
2018
twenty-one-pilots_6th_album
Trench
14 tracks
2018
📷
No Image
Scaled and Icy (Vocals)
11 tracks
2021
twenty-one-pilots_8th_album
Scaled and Icy
11 tracks
2021
twenty-one-pilots_10th_album
Clancy
13 tracks
2024
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Josh Dun

2011

Membranophone

Tyler Joseph

2009

Keyboard

Keytar

Lead vocals

Piano

Synthesizer

Ukulele

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Chris Salih

2009
2011

Membranophone

Nick Thomas

2009
2011

Story of Twenty One Pilots

Twenty One Pilots: A Rock Band Odyssey

Twenty One Pilots, hailing from the heartland of Columbus, Ohio, are more than just a rock band – they're a phenomenon. Born from the ashes of a larger group in 2009, the duo of Tyler Joseph (vocalist) and Josh Dun (drummer) have carved their own path, leaving an indelible mark on the music landscape.

Their early days were marked by independent releases like "Twenty One Pilots" (2009) and "Regional at Best" (2011), building a dedicated fanbase through raw energy and a unique blend of pop, rock, and hip-hop influences.

Fueled by Ramen saw their potential and signed them in 2012, unleashing the critically acclaimed "Vessel" (2013) upon the world. This album achieved a historic feat: every single track went gold, solidifying Twenty One Pilots as a force to be reckoned with.

But it was their fourth album, "Blurryface" (2015), that catapulted them to superstardom. The anthems "Stressed Out" and "Ride" became global hits, making the album the first to achieve gold certification for every single track in the USA. The success didn't stop there: "Heathens" shattered records, making them the first alternative act to simultaneously hold two top five singles on the Billboard Hot 100.

They've continued their reign with three more studio albums: "Trench" (2018), "Scaled and Icy" (2021), and "Clancy" (2024), each pushing their sonic boundaries while staying true to their signature blend of creativity and emotional depth.

Twenty One Pilots are more than just a band – they're a musical movement, pushing the boundaries of rock and captivating audiences worldwide with their captivating energy, raw talent, and undeniable individuality.

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