Patrick Stump, lead singer of the
Chicago-
based band Fall Out Boy, was born as Patrick Martin Stumph on April
27, 1984, in Glenview,
Illinois. He dropped the 'h' to avoid pronunciation confusion, and he dislikes being called Pat because that is his mother's
name.
Stump joined Fall Out Boy in 2001, when he was just 17. He planned to audition to be the
drummer, but took up lead vocal duties instead. Prior to joining Fall Out Boy, he had never sung for a band, or even had vocal lessons. He was also forced to learn to play the
guitar days before the band's first tour because one of the original guitarists quit.
Stump met Joe Trohman in a Borders bookstore. They got into a discussion about a band they both liked, then Trohman asked Stump if he would like to be in a band with another friend, Pete Wentz. Stump agreed. The rest of the band came over to his house and he auditioned for Fall Out Boy in shorts and a red and blue argyle sweater. The band played "Through Being Cool" by Saves the
Day.
Many people dislike Stump's distinct style of singing and pronunciation. However, on the latest album, he purposefully slurred the lyrics to make them sound better. He has done guest spots on CDs for bands including The Hush Sound, October Fall, and Gym Class Heroes. He has worked as a producer for The Hush Sound and Gym Class Heroes.
Stump also writes the
music for Fall Out Boy's songs. His
best friend, Pete Wentz, has repeatedly and jokingly said that Stump smells badly. However, Wentz just enjoys teasing him.
Stump has appeared in a short film on Wentz's DVD "Release the Bats." The film was named Bedussey. Stump plays the title character, who is a
cocaine dealer and addict, as well as Bad Twin. "Release the Bats 2" is currently being filmed.
