On January 24th, 2023, lead singer Brendon Urie announced that the band Panic! At The Disco would be officially disbanding. The group had quite a successful run in the music industry after nearly twenty years together. Their distinct alternative sound and unique themes consistently set them apart from other bands in the 2010s. 

Despite its musical success, the band has had its ups and downs in member participation along the way. Urie is the sole original member that’s been producing music under the name Panic! At The Disco for the last several years. The band was at different times composed of the following members: Ryan Ross, Dallon Weekes, Brent Wilson, Jon Walker, Spencer Smith, Jake Sinclair, Ian Crawford, Mike Viola, and Brendon Urie. Ross and Walker announced their departure from the band shortly before the release of their third album, “Vices & Virtues,” in 2009. Due primarily to “creative differences” the two went on to form a new band, The Young Veins. Not long after the “Vices & Virtues” tour, Crawford left the band citing his desire to make “real, genuine” music. Just a few years later, Smith wrote an open letter to fans regarding his abuse of alcohol and prescription medications since the recording of [the album] “Pretty Odd.” He originally intended to take a temporary leave of absence to focus on recovery, but never returned to the band either. In 2015, Smith announced that he would be 

leaving the band as well. The tragedy and growth that occurred among these musicians inspired arguably one of the band’s finest studio albums: “Death of A Bachelor.” Finally, after eight years of service, Weekes announced his exit from the band in order to put more of his time into the alternative rock duo: I Don’t Know How But They Found Me. 

Regardless of these controversies, the band has come out the other end “victorious.” They’ve won and been nominated for numerous American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, Grammy Awards, iHeartRadio Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, and even a Tony Award. Their song, “Hey Look, Ma, I Made It,” even managed to hold the Billboard Hot Rock Songs Chart for 62 consecutive weeks. Their twenty-one million monthly listeners on Spotify alone reveal how strong of a fanbase they’ve created over the years. While the musical success of the group is undeniable, all good things must come to an end.

The last straw for Urie ended up being simply wanting to prioritize his family. As per a recent post of the band on Instagram, Urie is choosing to take a step back from the band in order to focus on fatherhood.

“The prospect of being a father is very humbling and exciting,” Urie said. “I look forward to this next adventure. That said, I am going to bring this chapter of my life to an end and put my focus and energy on my family, and with that Panic! At The Disco will be no more.”

Urie’s farewell to his fans will occur on his European tour for the band’s most recent album, “Viva Las Vengeance.” Bands such as Panic! At The Disco beautifully display the art that results from struggle and the success that results from perseverance. Thanks to Urie, the legacy that the band leaves behind is one of love and dedication.