Panic At The Disco The pop-rock quartet from Las Vegas, Panic at the Disco, has enjoyed commercial and critical success for their records and live concerts. They are also well known for their very imaginative music videos. These videos have high production values and creativity. The band was formed by Ryan Ross (guitar) and Spencer Smith (drums), who were friends from childhood. Later, Brendon Urie joined as a guitar player and then took over lead vocals. When original bassist Brent Wilson left, he was replaced by an old friend, Jon Walker. The band's debut album, titled A Fever You Can't Sweat Out, was released in 2005. It reached Number 13 on the Billboard 200 chart, eventually achieving platinum sales. It was a Number 1 hit on the MySpace Indie chart, a result of Panic at the Disco's large MySpace following. The first single, I Write Sins Not Tragedies, came out in 2006 and went to Number 7 in the US chart. The video for the song was voted Video of the Year at the MTV Video Music Awards. The follow up album, Pretty Odd, did even better and reached Number 2 in the US chart. Critics noted that it was influenced by the Beatles. In interviews, band members have talked about listening to their parents' record collection from the sixties, including The Beatles, the Beach Boys and the Kinks. The four singles from the album further established their success. They were Nine in the Afternoon, Mad as Rabbits, That Green Gentleman (Things have changed) and Northern Downpour. The band tour extensively and have played a world tour with dates in Australia, New Zealand and Europe. Their first ever arena tour began with Bloc Party and Jack's Mannequin. They have been named as the headline act for 2009's Honda Civic Tour. In addition to their own songs, Panic at the Disco like to do live cover versions of some of their favorite songs, such as Maneater by Nelly Furtado, Killer Queen by Queen, Eleanor Rigby by the Beatles, and What's My Age Again? by Blink-182. The band has also recorded studio cover versions. The band contributed to a tribute record for Smashing Pumpkins, performing Tonight, Tonight. Panic at the Disco also appears on the Special Edition soundtrack CD of the movie, The Nightmare Before Christmas, singing This is Halloween. Other tracks include Fall Out Boy and Marilyn Manson. There are two live recordings, made by Panic at the Disco. The Live Session EP is only available from iTunes as a digital download and contains three tracks; I Write Sins not Tragedies, Lying is the Most Fun a Girl Can Have Without Taking Her Clothes Off, and But It's Better If You Do. Live in Chicago contains a CD, music videos and a DVD of the Chicago gig with a behind the scenes documentary. Summary They have been named as the headline act for 2009's Honda Civic Tour. In addition to their own songs, Panic at the Disco like to do live cover versions of some of their favorite songs, such as Maneater by Nelly Furtado, Killer Queen by Queen, Eleanor Rigby by the Beatles, and What's My Age Again? by Blink-182. Related Articles Hot New Bands Musical Groups Related Sites