Pete Wentz

Musician

United States

Bipolar disorderSelf-disclosed [1]

Pete Wentz is a musician and songwriter best known as the bassist and primary lyricist of Fall Out Boy. He has also worked as a producer and founded the record label that became DCD2 Records. [2][4]

Last updated September 15, 2026

Career and work

Wentz became Fall Out Boy’s bassist and primary lyricist as the band emerged from Chicago’s punk scene in the early 2000s. The band broke into the mainstream with From Under the Cork Tree in 2005, which reached No. 9 on the Billboard 200 and included the hit singles “Sugar, We’re Goin’ Down” and “Dance, Dance.” [2][3]

Wentz also founded Decaydance Records, later renamed DCD2 Records. The label has worked with artists including Panic! at the Disco, Gym Class Heroes, Cobra Starship, Travie McCoy, New Politics and LOLO. [2][4]

What has been publicly discussed

“You never know how you're going to feel the next day. Tomorrow might be the best day.”
— Pete Wentz [1]

The following sources contain information that supports the claims made in this profile.

E! News“Pete Wentz Talks Bipolar Disorder, Fears Son Bronx Will Suffer One Day, Too”
Reports Wentz’s discussion of his bipolar disorder, emotional highs and lows, therapy and perspective on getting through dark periods.
Simon & SchusterPete Wentz
Official publisher biography documenting his role as Fall Out Boy’s bassist and primary lyricist and his work as a producer and record-label owner.
Universal Music Canada“Fall Out Boy to Release Special 20th Anniversary Edition of Iconic Breakthrough Album ‘From Under the Cork Tree’”
Documents the album’s Billboard performance, major singles and Grammy nomination.
VICE“Pete Wentz’s Decaydance Label Is Back With a New Name and New Artists”
Interview about the transition from Decaydance to DCD2 and the label’s roster.
NME“How Fall Out Boy’s ‘From Under the Cork Tree’ inspired a generation”
Interview covering Wentz’s mental-health difficulties during the album’s creation, hospitalization and views on stigma.
ABC News“Bipolar Disorder: Wentz, Others Speak Out”
Covers Wentz’s account of the 2005 overdose, including his description of his mental state and his rejection of the suicide-attempt label.
People/Yahoo“Pete Wentz Talks Managing Bipolar Disorder, from Leaning on Family to Meditation and Exercise”
Covers therapy and the approaches Wentz later described using to maintain balance.

Recommended books and other resources about Pete Wentz and lived experience.

Pete Wentz and James MontgomeryGray
Wentz’s novel explores fame, relationships, self-destruction and self-discovery through the perspective of a rock musician.
Antimatter“In Conversation: Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy”
Long-form interview about his musical background, songwriting and Fall Out Boy’s career.
The Guardian“Pete Wentz: ‘We felt underappreciated by some of the fans’”
Interview about Fall Out Boy’s hiatus and return, therapy, parenthood and Wentz’s changing relationship with fame.

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