Formed in Wilmette, Illinois

Fall Out Boy was formed in 2001 in the Chicago suburb of Wilmette, Illinois by friends Pete Wentz and Joe Trohman . Wentz was a “visible fixture” of the relatively small Chicago hardcore scene of the late 1990s, performing in groups such as Birthright, Extinction and First Born. He was also part of the metalcore band Arma Angelus and the more political Racetraitor , “a band that managed to land the covers of Maximumrocknroll and Heartattack fanzines before releasing a single note of music”. Wentz was growing dissatisfied with the changing mores of the community, which he viewed as a transition from political activism to an emphasis on moshing and breakdowns . With enthusiasm in Arma Angelus waning, he created a pop-punk side project with Trohman that was intended to be “easy and escapist”. Patrick Stump was the drummer for grindcore band Xgrinding processX and a host of other bands that “never really managed.” At a Borders bookstore in Wilmette , while Trohman was discussing Neurosis with a friend, Stump interrupted them to correct their classification of the band; the ensuing conversation soon shifted to Trohman and Wentz’s new project. Stump, viewing it as an opportunity to try out with “local hardcore celebrity” Wentz, directed Trohman to his MP3.com page, which contained sung-through acoustic recordings. Stump intended to try out as a drummer, but Trohman urged him to bring out his acoustic guitar; Stump impressed Trohman and Wentz with songs from Saves the Day ‘s Through Being Cool . While Wentz wanted Racetraitor bandmate Andy Hurley to join the group as drummer, Hurley appeared uninterested and too busy at the time.