Prepare to fall in love with Twenty One Pilots.
1. They're incredible performers.
They have mentioned a few times that they prefer to perform live because it allows more room for more versatility, creativity, and accessibility.
2. Josh's drumming skills are off the charts.
3. Tyler and Josh are friendship goals.
4. Their fan base is called the "Skeleton Clique," which the band named themselves, and it's bananas.
(This GIF doesn't quite do it justice).
5. They're not perfect and they recognize that it's not just them -- it's all of us.
They are fully aware that they have made mistakes, that they're "messed up," that they are full of darkness, and that they need to be pulled out of that darkness. But, they are also aware that they aren't these things. They are humble, hopeful, and trusting that they are not their mistakes -- that our pasts, flaws, and wrong-doings do not define us- and that they can get this message across to everyone.
6. They are anti-establishment.
7. They don't fit into any particular genre.
8. They walk on the crowd.
9. Tyler's tattoos.
Tyler has mentioned on various occasions that he doesn't like to talk about his tattoos with a large group of people. Not because he's ashamed of them, but because he wants the message to reach the people he is talking to -- to resonate. He's said before that his tattoos are a story about something that saved his life.
10. They talk to their fans regularly.
11. They have a reason for everything they do.
A lot of people were speculating about Tyler's neck and hands during the 2015 VMA's. Their 2015 album "Blurryface" was an album created to pay tribute to their insecurities and darkness. "Blurryface" is a character created by Tyler to be the exact opposite of who he is. Essentially, Blurryface is an intangible embodiment of the darkness in him. Throughout the album, in each song, Blurryface's story is told.
In "Goner," Tyler sings, "I've got two faces/Blurry's the one I'm not/I need your help to/Take him out."
12. They are open about their faith.
Before becoming the drummer for Twenty One Pilots, Josh was the drummer for a Christian rock band called House of Heroes. He and Tyler were both raised in Christian homes and continue to pursue their faith.
13. Tyler is basically Troy Bolton.
Before pursuing music, Tyler wanted to pursue basketball. He used to practice every day and was even featured in his hometown's newspaper with his brother, Zack.
14. They dress super weird and it's super awesome.
I don't really have an explanation for this one. I think they just like layers.
15. Their music triggers all of the feels.
If you don't think this offbeat duo can pull on some heart strings while inspiring some serious introspection, think again. And if you don't think they can create an eery atmosphere simply out of words, think again, friend
16. ...especially their live performances.
17. Tyler's twitching.![]()
18. They are hopeful.
19. They are charmingly and wonderfully goofy.
20. They do stunts and climb on things that you shouldn't climb on.
The second picture was taken at Austin City Limits (2015) and I was there. Guys, I almost cried. Partially because this was the first time I had gotten to see them perform and I was just getting into them a few months prior and partially because I was so overwhelmed by how weird and great this moment was.
21. They're "motives are insane."
The name, Twenty One Pilots was inspired by "All My Sons," a play by Arthur Miller that Tyler Joseph (singer) read in a theater class in college. In an interview with Under The Gun Review, Tyler talks about how the plot of the play correlates with the band and its motives. An airplane manufacturer during World War II faces a moral dilemma after discovering the parts were faulty. He has to decide whether he should send the parts out, which is the wrong decision but would benefit him in that moment, or recall them, which would be the right thing to do. He decides to send the parts out and ends up killing twenty one pilots, one of them being his son. His daughter, upon finding out, blames him for the son's death. "The rest of the play he tries to justify why he made the decision he did, and in the end he ends up killing himself." He then goes on to discuss how we are constantly plagued by moral dilemmas each day. We come to crossroads that may determine our futures -- that may benefit or hurt us. He says that the band is named after something that reminds them that, "Sometimes the right decision may not be the decision that benefits you right now, it may be the harder decision, it might be the decision that takes more work." Tyler talks about how the right decision, though not always the most beneficial at that moment, is the best decision and worth it in the end. "It’s something we live by as a band and as individuals, it’s nice to have a band name to remind you of that." In a much later interview with Rolling Stone, Tyler mentions how he and Josh remind themselves not to "[send] out the parts" if they feel like they are starting to take the easy road.
Not only is the band focused on morality, but also communicating a message of hope through their music and their day-to-day lives. There have been several instances when the two bandmates have made it clear that their intentions are to be a beacon of hope, emphasizing morality in the process, to their fans and anyone that listens to their music. Tyler and Josh have both started the "Stay Alive Project," a fundraiser for "To Write Love On Her Arms." Their "mission is to raise $10,000 between December 1, 2015 (Tyler Joseph's birthday) and June 18, 2016 (Josh Dun's birthday)."
I've only scratched the surface here. There is so much more to this duo than you might think. I have to restrain myself from posting one million and ten articles, interviews, and videos in an effort to show you just how amazing they are. You'll just have to fall in love with them all on your own. Happy discovering!
