Imagine Dragons exploded onto the music scene in 2012 with their debut album, Night Visions. Supported by hit singles “It’s Time” and “Radioactive,” the album became the top-selling rock album of 2013. Having set the bar high for themselves, they came back swinging with their sophomore album, Smoke + Mirrors, in 2015. With their big sound and honest lyrics, the band has garnered a loyal global fan base. Read on to learn more about the team of Dan Reynolds (vocals), Daniel Sermon (guitar), Ben McKee (bass) and Daniel Platzman (drums).
Number Thirteen: Their New Album was Recorded in Their New Home Studio
Imagine Dragons decided to build their own home studio in order to record their new album, Smoke & Mirrors. They claim that the recording process is less rushed when time in the studio is unlimited.
Number Twelve: They Announced Their Second Album with a Scavenger Hunt
In mid-December of 2014, the band got their fans involved in the album’s release process by hiding clues on billboards around the U.S. about the album’s name, artwork and song titles. They also used social media, sending fans direct messages featuring puzzle pieces of the album’s cover.
Number Eleven: They Work with a Cancer Charity
Imagine Dragons started The Tyler Robinson Foundation in collaboration with Robinson’s family after his death from Rhabdomyosarcoma in 2013. The band had met Robinson after they heard his story, and they became fast friends. The Tyler Robinson Foundation helps families dealing with pediatric cancer.
Number Ten: They Have the Longest Charting Billboard Single Ever
“Radioactive” was such a big hit for the band that it spent 87 weeks on the Hot 100 chart, beating Jason Mraz’s record by 11 weeks. The song was also the number one rock song and number one alternative song of 2013.
Number Nine: “Imagine Dragons” is an Anagram
While the band has never officially said what their name is, they have said that the letters in “Imagine Dragons” are an anagram. They are not even sure how they chose “Imagine Dragons” as a name.
Number Eight: Imagine Dragons Want to Be a “World Band”
In an interview, singer Dan Reynolds said that the band’s purpose is to bring people together. He and the band have always wanted to travel the world and learn about other countries. Imagine Dragons has let them live that dream.
Number Seven: “It’s Time” Was Released Before They Were Signed
Imagine Dragons’ first single, “It’s Time,” was originally released on an EP in 2011. After the band signed with Interscope Records, the song was rerecorded for their major label debut EP, Continued Silence, as well as for their debut full-length, Night Visions.
Number Six: Their First Big Gig Was at Bite of Las Vegas 2009
The band was called in at the last minute to replace Train, whose lead singer fell ill before the show. Their first time playing to more than 26,000 people, their performance earned them local praise, including Las Vegas Weekly’s Best Local Indie Band 2010 and Las Vegas City Life’s “Newest Must See Live Act,” among other accolades.
Number Five: They Helped Welcome Back the Muppets to TV
Imagine Dragons has appeared on a few television programs. Besides performing live on the late night circuit, they also took part in an episode of Impractical Jokers. Most recently, the band played their song “Roots” on The Muppets.
Number Four: “I Bet My Life” is About Reynolds’ Relationship with His Parents
It’s true. Reynolds has said that the song follows the ups and downs he has had with his parents, but is ultimately about the bond that they share.
Number Three: Reynolds Produced X Ambassadors’ Debut Album
After hearing the band on the radio, Reynolds decided to bring the band to Alex da Kid’s (at KIDinaKORNER/Interscope Records) attention, playing a significant role in getting the band signed. He is also credited as an executive producer on their debut album and is featured on the track “Fear.”
Number Two: Reynolds Borrowed His Brother’s Computer to Write Music
The main songwriter for the band, Reynolds has been writing for a long time. He has said that when he was 13, he would borrow his brother’s computer and use his recording software to write songs.
Number One: Their Music is Honest
Reynold’s values honesty and authenticity in music and continues to write about whatever is most meaningful to him at the time. Of Smoke + Mirrors, he has said that the album is the band’s most genuine and authentic work to date. Thank you for reading our list of 13 interesting facts about Imagine Dragons.