Panic! at the Disco was an American pop rock band formed in 2004 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The band was initially made up of childhood friends Brendon Urie, Ryan Ross, Spencer Smith, and Brent Wilson. They first gained attention with their debut album A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out in 2005, which included the hit single “I Write Sins Not Tragedies,” earning them mainstream popularity and triple platinum status in the US.
As the band grew, they went through several lineup changes. In 2006, bassist Brent Wilson was replaced by Jon Walker, and in 2008, Panic! at the Disco’s sound shifted with the release of Pretty. Odd., marking a more eclectic style. However, this direction led to the departure of Ross and Walker, who left to form their own band, the Young Veins. Urie and Smith continued as a duo, later adding Dallon Weekes and Ian Crawford as touring musicians.
In 2011, Panic! at the Disco released Vices & Virtues, their third album, which returned to their earlier sound. After further changes, including Crawford's departure in 2012, the band evolved into a more fluid lineup. By 2013, Smith left the band due to health issues, leaving Urie and Weekes to carry on with the release of Too Weird to Live, Too Rare to Die! Later, guitarist Kenneth Harris and drummer Dan Pawlovich joined as touring members.
In 2015, Panic! at the Disco became Urie’s solo project after Smith officially left. Their 2016 album Death of a Bachelor was a major success, praised for its fresh sound and Urie’s versatility. The band’s 2018 album, Pray for the Wicked, followed, cementing their place in pop culture. After their 2022 album Viva Las Vengeance, Urie announced that Panic! at the Disco would disband in 2023 after the final tour.
Panic! at the Disco was known for their unique, theatrical performances and for constantly reinventing their music. Their legacy as a pioneering pop rock band remains influential in the music industry.
