Panic! at the Disco

Panic! at the Disco was formed in 2004 in Las Vegas, Nevada, by Ryan Ross, Spencer Smith, Jon Walker, and Brendon Urie. The band initially gained popularity with their debut album, 'A Fever You Can't Sweat Out,' released in 2005, which featured the hit single 'I Write Sins Not Tragedies.' Over the years, the lineup changed, with Urie becoming the sole remaining member by 2015. The band's sound evolved from pop punk and baroque pop to a more mainstream pop and electropop style. They released several albums, including 'Pretty. Odd.' (2008), 'Vices & Virtues' (2011), 'Too Weird to Live, Too Rare to Die!' (2013), and 'Death of a Bachelor' (2016), showcasing their growth and experimentation with different musical genres. In 2023, Panic! at the Disco announced their breakup, concluding an impactful career spanning nearly two decades.

Panic! at the Disco has cited a wide variety of musical influences, including pop rock, baroque pop, punk rock, and alternative rock. Early influences include bands like The Smiths, Queen, and The Beatles, as well as the theatrical elements of artists like David Bowie and Elton John. Their sound also incorporates elements from electronic music, which became more pronounced in their later albums, reflecting influences from contemporary pop artists.

Panic! at the Disco initially started as a high school project for the founding members. They gained traction on the internet through the social media platform MySpace, which helped them secure a record deal with Fueled by Ramen. The band's signature exclamation mark was inspired by a song title from the band 'The Smiths.' Their music often features theatrical lyrics and elaborate music videos.

Panic! at the Disco is significant for their role in the emo and pop-punk revival of the mid-2000s, contributing to the mainstream acceptance of these genres. They were among the first bands to successfully blend pop and rock elements, paving the way for future artists. Their theatrical approach to performance and music videos helped redefine the visual aspect of music in the 21st century, influencing a generation of artists who followed.