“I need surgery to avoid permanent damage”- Fall Out Boy guitarist Joe Trohman announces hiatus from touring due to hand injury

Fall Out Boy guitarist Joe Trohman has hit an unexpected pause button on touring. In a candid social media message, he revealed that persistent issues with his right hand have escalated to the point where surgery is essential to avoid permanent damage. While fans may be scratching their heads, this isn't a dramatic twist—it’s a tough but sensible pit stop. Trohman assured followers that the procedure isn’t career-ending, but a necessary measure to keep his hands (and riffs) alive for years to come.

Although his absence leaves a noticeable void, the rest of the Fall Out Boy crew (Patrick Stump, Pete Wentz, and Andy Hurley) are committed to powering through the remaining tour dates. With a busy schedule ahead, this turn of events underscores the physical toll of relentless touring. As Trohman prioritizes recovery, the band and its loyal base are rallying behind him, hoping for a swift return to the spotlight.

Joe Trohman taps out of the tour to protect his hands

Yes, the title says it: the guitarist is stepping away from stage lights for the rest of 2025. Trohman’s statement was clear-cut: “After years of managing ongoing issues with my right hand, it’s become clear that I need surgery to avoid permanent damage.” That secondary keyword here refers to his injury, not just a flare-up, but something demanding real medical attention. He added the silver lining: “I’m on track for a full recovery,” and expressed his eagerness to rejoin “the guys” once he’s healed.

Trohman’s announcement is amplified by his history: in January 2023, he stepped back from touring to tackle mental health challenges—a candid decision that earned widespread respect and ultimately led to his return later that year. This time, it's physical health taking the front seat.

The crux is plain: Joe Trohman is taking a break mid-tour due to a serious hand injury, opting for surgery now instead of risking irreversible harm—no bravado, no “rock ‘n’ roll till I drop” rhetoric. It’s a pro move, putting pragmatism before a performance. Fall Out Boy’s team quickly reassured fans that the band isn’t hitting pause. “The band will still be playing all scheduled shows,” Trohman made sure to note, maintaining faith in their loyal fanbase and the tour’s logistical gears.

No guest guitarist has been named yet, but given last time’s success with Ben Young stepping in during Trohman’s 2023 break, one can bet the band has a solid backup plan. Either way, Trohman ensured fans know he’s not quitting, just hitting pause until he’s back in peak form.

The timeline? The remainder of 2025. As for the immediate schedule: the band is set to play festivals like Calgary’s Cowboys Music Fest, St. Paul’s Minnesota Yacht Club gig, Summer Sonic in Japan, Brazil’s I Wanna Be Fest, and wrap up at Oceans Calling in Maryland. With Trohman off the roster, stagecraft will be slightly altered—but the vibe of those Fall Out Boy performances will undoubtedly remain fierce. Until then, Joe is clocking off from guest solos and channeling focus into recovery and rehab, promising fans: this isn't the end but a slight detour.

Tour updates and what this means for the band

Despite Trohman’s hiatus, Fall Out Boy is pushing full steam ahead. Their 2025 itinerary spans North America, Asia, South America, and back—emphasizing both their widescale appeal and the wear-and-tear that ultimately led to this round of surgery. From Calgary’s Cowboy Music Festival to oceanside sets at Japan’s Summer Sonic and Brazil's I Wanna Be Fest, the band has major commitments through September.

Without their lead guitarist on stage, the band dynamic will require adjustment. Last time, Ben Young filled in seamlessly, proving versatility in high-stakes live spots. Fans can expect a similar temp fix or a surprise substitute, ensuring live shows don’t miss a beat. The core lineup—Stump, Wentz, and Hurley—remains unwavering, underscoring a clear message: the tour goes on, albeit temporarily reconfigured.

Strictly speaking, the absence of Joe Trohman is more than missing a face—it’s a sonic shift. His riffs and energy are woven into the band’s identity. Still, the group’s dedication to their live performance promises fans a quality show, even with a placeholder guitarist. What this all boils down to: recovery for Trohman, resilience from the band, and solidarity from the fans.

In the high-stakes world of rock touring, Joe Trohman has hit pause in a smart, health-first move. Falling back doesn’t mean folding; this hiatus is a strategic detour, keeping his guitarist muse intact and ensuring no permanent injury scars. As the rest of Fall Out Boy powers on through the tour, fans are left hopeful and united, ready to welcome Trohman back stronger than ever.

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