With some of the most devoted fans in the industry (they’re nicknamed “The Skeleton Clique”) and their fifth album spawning some of the best conspiracy theories of the past decade, Twenty One Pilots are the band of the moment. The duo, made up of vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Tyler Joseph and drummer Josh Dun, had a smash hit with their fourth record, ‘Blurryface’; but now as we wait patiently for new music, here are some mad facts about them.
1. The name “Twenty One Pilots” is inspired by Arthur Miller play All My Sons, in which 21 pilots are killed.
2. The music video for ‘House of Gold’ was partially shot on actor Will Smith’s ranch in Los Angeles.
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3. Their fourth album name, ‘Blurryface’, is based on a persona of the same name created by vocalist Tyler Joseph. He said that the character represents both his and other people’s insecurities. He uses blank ink on his neck and hands to represent this character, as seen in the ‘Stressed Out‘ music video.
4. According to Scott Stienecker, president of PromoWest Productions, Tyler Joseph was working at a Killers concert back in 2009, about to clean up when he said: “You know what, I want to be the next Brandon Flowers”. Steinecker claimed: “Rather than raking the lawn, he quit.”
5.Both natives of Columbus, Ohio, they have a matching ‘X’ tattoo to symbolise the commitment of their hometown fans. Joseph’s is located on his right arm while Dun’s is behind his right ear.
6. The two old men on the cover of the ‘Vessel’ album are actually both Dun’s and Joseph’s paternal grandfathers.
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7. Joseph played basketball growing up, as his parents hoped it would get him a scholarship to college. In an interview with Alternative Press, he said his parents would request he make 500 shots before dinner, as he was homeschooled and felt basketball became part of his education. Joseph was eventually offered a scholarship to Otterbein University, which he turned down to pursue music instead.
8. Joseph has a three-part tattoo which he claims reveals something in his past that saved his life. Although he is not willing to reveal it publicly, apparently he will tell you if you ask one-on-one (so long as you promise not to post it online).
9. Every time the duo are asked how they met in an interview, they make up a different version.
10. Many fans are theorizing about when the next album will be, including this mega thread on Reddit, following on from several cryptic clues from the band including their most recent tweet, Josh Dun’s acceptance speech at the 2017 APMA’s and their website.
11. Tyler Joseph once had a concert-goer kicked out for punching a girl in the face, temporarily stopping the show in the process.
12. Tyler Joseph’s favourite movie is Donnie Darko and Josh Dun’s is Fight Club.
13. Josh Dun unexpectedly discovered he could backflip during a soundcheck and now does it at every show.
Words: Rebecca Kelly
