It's been nearly five years since Fall Out Boy's last album, and almost four since their now-infamous "hiatus." In that time, FOB's four members have released solo albums, experimented with electronics, and formed side projects ... but never seemed all that interested in getting the band back together.
Which is why the idea of Fall Out Boy reuniting — let alone recording a new album — seemed an impossibility. Only, in February, the impossible happened: FOB announced their return, kicking off a frantic, two-month scramble that has included triumphant shows, eye-catching music videos, and, of course, a brand-new record, Save Rock And Roll, which hits stores Tuesday. Comeback complete.
So, on a day many thought would never come, MTV News emailed FOB frontman Patrick Stump to get his take on the band's long journey back, the overwhelming reception they've received from their fans, and the success of their new album ... all of which he's still having a difficult time wrapping his head around.
"Not in a million years [did I expect this]. As I'm writing this, we have the number one album on iTunes and the number ten single," Stump wrote. "For a band that felt like a longshot the first time we got struck by career lightning to go away for a few years and sell records against powerhouses like Justin Timberlake ... If we expected to succeed on this scale? We'd be a--holes."
And that success is even sweeter, considering that there was a point when Stump believed Fall Out Boy was finished. It ...