October 22nd is a special day for Imagine Dragons as it is the day they formed in 2008. The band, made up of Dan Reynolds, Ben McKee, Wayne Sermon and Daniel Platzman, has made a lasting impact on the music industry with their unique sound and catchy lyrics. Over the years, Imagine Dragons have given us unforgettable songs like “Believer,” “Demons,” and “Thunder.”
From their early beginnings to their rise to success, this timeline will take you through their journey and shed light on the key moments that shaped their career.
2008 – Formation of Imagine Dragons
The story begins in 2008 when a group of musicians came together to form the band known as Imagine Dragons. The founding members, including Dan Reynolds (vocals), Wayne Sermon (guitar), Ben McKee (bass), and Daniel Platzman (drums), shared a passion for making music. They started performing in local venues and building their fan base in Las Vegas.
2010 – First Extended Play
In 2010, Imagine Dragons released their first EP titled “Imagine Dragons.” While the EP gained them some local recognition, it wasn’t until they released their song “It’s Time” that they started to get noticed on a national level. The song became a hit, and it marked the beginning of their journey to stardom.
2012 – Continued Success with “Night Visions”
The real breakthrough came in 2012 when the band released their debut studio album, “Night Visions.” The album featured the chart-topping single “Radioactive,” which became a massive hit. “Radioactive” spent a record-setting 87 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, a record that would eventually be broken by The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” in 2021.
2013 – Grammy Nomination
Their hit single “Radioactive” earned Imagine Dragons a Grammy Award nomination in 2013. Although they didn’t win, the nomination was a testament to their growing influence in the music world.
2015 – Release of “Smoke + Mirrors”
Imagine Dragons’ second album, “Smoke + Mirrors,” was released in 2015. While it didn’t replicate the extraordinary success of “Night Visions,” it was still well-received by fans and critics.
2017 – Evolving Sound with… “Evolve”
In 2017, the band released their third album, “Evolve.” This album marked a shift in their sound, featuring more electronic elements and a pop-oriented approach. The lead single, “Believer,” gained immense popularity and became another chart-topping hit for the band. The song is certified 12x Platinum in the US and has sold over 15 million units worldwide.
2017-2018 – World Tour
Following the album’s release, Imagine Dragons embarked on their third concert tour in support of the LP. The Evolve World Tour lasted until the end of 2018 with a total of 136 shows, grossing $90 million.
2018 – “Origins”
Following the Evolve World Tour, Imagine Dragons swiftly unveiled their fourth album, “Origins,” which garnered praise from many critics who considered it an advancement from “Evolve.” Dan Reynolds clarified that despite the usual practice of bands taking breaks post-touring, they had a collection of songs that felt ready for immediate production and release. The album spawned several hit singles, such as “Natural” and “Bad Liar.”
2021 – “Wrecked” and “Mercury – Acts 1 & 2”
Imagine Dragons made a return with their single “Wrecked” in 2021. The song deals with themes of loss and grief and was deeply personal for lead singer Dan Reynolds, who penned it as a tribute to his late sister-in-law. The song is featured on the first half of the double album “Mercury — Acts 1 & 2.” The project features a total of 32 tracks, including the hit single “Bones.”
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