Formed in Las Vegas in 2004, the band had essentially become a solo vehicle for frontman Brendon Urie since 2015, after initially being established by the singer with his childhood friends Ryan Ross, Spencer Smith, and Brent Wilson.
Since their debut album, A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out, came out in 2005, the band have won American Music and Billboard Music Awards, and their 2016 album Death of a Bachelor was nominated for Best Rock Album at the Grammy Awards.
Five of the band’s eight studio albums have reached at least platinum status, whilst their 2018 single ‘High Hopes’ held the top spot on Billboard’s Rock Songs chart for quite a remarkable 76 weeks and currently has over 1.3 billion streams on Spotify.
Brendon Urie accepting the Top Rock Song award for ‘High Hopes’ onstage during the 2019 Billboard Music Awards. Photo: Kevin Winter.
Announcing the news to the band’s social media page, Urie wrote: “Well, it’s been a hell of a journey… Growing up in Vegas, I could’ve never imagined where this life would take me. So many places all over the world, and all the friends we’ve made along the way.
“But sometimes a journey must end for a new one to begin. We’ve been trying to keep it to ourselves, though some of you may have heard… Sarah and I are expecting a baby very soon! The prospect of being a father and getting to watch my wife become a mother is both humbling and exciting. 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. Thank you all for your immense support over the years. I’ve sat here trying to come up with the perfect way to say this and I truly can’t put into words how much it has meant to us.
“Whether you’ve been here since the beginning or are just finding us, it has been a pleasure to not only share the stage with so many talented people but also share our time with you.
“I am looking forward to seeing everyone in Europe and the UK for one last run together. I love you. I appreciate you. Thank you for existing. Brendon.”
Panic! at the Disco’s European tour begins in Vienna on 20 February and finishes in Manchester on March 10.
