While most listeners recognize Andy Hurley as the powerhouse behind the kit for the multi-platinum pop-rock band Fall Out Boy, his musical identity is far more complex and aggressive. Beyond the mainstream spotlight, Hurley maintains an extensive portfolio of side projects ranging from political hardcore and vegan straight-edge metalcore to heavy metal supergroups.
The career of Andy Hurley is a study in musical duality. On one hand, he provides the rhythmic backbone for some of the biggest anthems of the 21st century. On the other, he is a deeply rooted figure in the underground hardcore and metal scenes. His side projects are not merely hobbies; they are essential outlets for his technical proficiency and his personal convictions regarding anarchism, veganism, and social justice. As of 2026, Hurley remains one of the most prolific drummers in the industry, balancing the massive stadium tours of Fall Out Boy with the gritty, sweat-soaked atmosphere of independent venues.
The Foundation: Racetraitor and Early Hardcore Roots
Before the fame of the mid-2000s, Andy Hurley was a staple of the Chicago hardcore scene. His most significant early contribution was with Racetraitor, a band known for its confrontational lyrical themes regarding systemic racism and colonialism. Formed in the late 1990s, Racetraitor was a lightning rod for controversy, often challenging their audience directly from the stage.
Hurley’s drumming in Racetraitor is characterized by chaotic energy, heavy use of double-bass, and intricate fills that stand in stark contrast to the structured pop-punk of his later career. The band’s message was as heavy as their sound, focusing on the deconstruction of white supremacy. After a long hiatus, the band reunited in the mid-2010s and continued to release music, including the 2023 album 2042. In 2026, Racetraitor remains a vital part of Hurley's identity, serving as a reminder that his commitment to social activism has never wavered despite his commercial success.
Arma Angelus and the Pete Wentz Connection
Another pivotal early project was Arma Angelus, a metalcore band where Hurley played alongside future Fall Out Boy bassist Pete Wentz (who was the vocalist for this project). Arma Angelus was influential in the Midwest hardcore circuit, blending melodic elements with raw, aggressive metalcore. This project is historically significant because it served as the bridge between the underground scene and the eventual formation of Fall Out Boy. It highlighted Hurley’s ability to navigate the transition from the "tough-guy" hardcore aesthetic to a more melodic, albeit still energetic, rock sound.
The Supergroup Success: The Damned Things
Perhaps the most "unexpected" of Hurley’s side projects for the casual fan is The Damned Things. This heavy metal supergroup features a lineup that reads like a hall-of-fame roster for 2000s rock and metal: Hurley and Joe Trohman (Fall Out Boy), Scott Ian (Anthrax), Keith Buckley (Every Time I Die), and Dan Andriano (Alkaline Trio).
The Damned Things allows Hurley to explore a classic rock and heavy metal influence that rarely finds a home in Fall Out Boy’s discography. The music is riff-heavy, bluesy, and anthemic.
- Ironiclast (2010): Their debut album introduced a sound that combined the hook-driven nature of pop-rock with the grit of stoner metal and thrash.
- High Crimes (2019): After a nearly decade-long hiatus, the band returned with a tighter, more modern rock sound that further showcased Hurley's versatility in playing "in the pocket" while maintaining high intensity.
In The Damned Things, Hurley's drumming is disciplined yet powerful. He focuses on driving the groove, providing a solid foundation for Scott Ian’s legendary rhythm guitar work. This project proved that Hurley could hold his own among metal royalty, silencing critics who viewed him solely through a pop-punk lens.
The Pure Hardcore Expression: SECT
If you want to hear Andy Hurley at his most unrelenting, SECT is the project to follow. SECT is a "vegan straight edge" supergroup featuring members from legendary hardcore bands like Catharsis, Earth Crisis, and Burning Love. The band serves as a visceral outlet for Hurley’s political views and his love for Swedish "D-beat" and crust-influenced hardcore.
The music of SECT is blistering. Tracks are often short, rarely exceeding the two-minute mark, and are characterized by high-speed blast beats and abrasive guitar tones. Hurley’s performance here is a masterclass in endurance and speed. There is no polish, no radio-friendly chorus, and no commercial ambition. As of 2026, SECT continues to be a primary focus for Hurley during Fall Out Boy’s off-seasons, representing his enduring dedication to the hardcore subculture and the "DIY" ethics he grew up with.
Lesser-Known Ventures and Notable Collaborations
Hurley’s discography is littered with short-lived projects and guest appearances that further illustrate his work ethic. His involvement in Burning Empires, another hardcore project featuring members of Misery Signals, showcased his knack for melodic hardcore. Similarly, his work with Enabler (though he was primarily a session and touring member for a period) allowed him to lean into the "crust-punk" aesthetic.
Project Rocket
Before fully committing to Fall Out Boy, Hurley was the drummer for Project Rocket, a band that leaned more toward the melodic power-pop and punk sound. They released a split EP with Fall Out Boy early on, and at one point, it wasn't certain which band Hurley would ultimately join. His choice to stick with Fall Out Boy changed the course of rock history, but Project Rocket remains a cult favorite for fans of the early 2000s Chicago scene.
FocusXminds and Kill the Cursor
Hurley has also lent his talents to FocusedXMinds, a straight-edge hardcore band that emphasizes a traditional, fast-paced sound. More recently, projects like Kill the Cursor have seen him experimenting with different textures of aggressive music. These bands often fly under the radar of mainstream media, but within the hardcore community, Hurley’s participation is seen as a sign of authenticity. He doesn't just "fund" these projects; he is a deeply involved collaborator who hauls his own gear and plays small rooms alongside teenage bands.
Comparison of Andy Hurley’s Major Musical Projects
The following table highlights the diversity of Hurley's career, comparing his primary role and the musical style of his most prominent bands as of 2026.
| Project Name | Primary Genre | Key Members | Status (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Out Boy | Pop-Rock / Alternative | Pete Wentz, Patrick Stump, Joe Trohman | Active / Mainstream |
| The Damned Things | Heavy Metal / Hard Rock | Scott Ian, Joe Trohman, Keith Buckley | Occasional / Active |
| SECT | Hardcore / Crust Punk | Chris Colohan, James Chang | Active / Underground |
| Racetraitor | Political Hardcore | Mani Mostofi, Dan Binaei | Active / Reunion Era |
| Arma Angelus | Metalcore | Pete Wentz, Tim McIlrath (briefly) | Defunct (Legendary) |
| Project Rocket | Power-Pop / Punk | T.J. Minich, Seth L. | Defunct |
Why Andy Hurley Pursues So Many Side Projects
The sheer volume of Hurley’s work raises the question: why does the drummer of one of the world's biggest bands spend his free time in the trenches of the underground? The answer lies in his personal philosophy. Hurley is a vocal proponent of anarcho-primitivism and maintains a strict vegan straight-edge lifestyle. These ideologies are often at odds with the consumerist nature of the mainstream music industry.
Side projects like SECT and Racetraitor allow Hurley to express these radical views in a way that Fall Out Boy cannot. While Fall Out Boy is a collaborative effort aimed at a broad audience, his hardcore bands are uncompromising. Furthermore, the technical demands are different. Pop-rock drumming requires consistency and "serving the song," whereas hardcore and metal allow Hurley to push his physical limits with speed and complexity.
By 2026, Hurley has successfully integrated these two worlds. He uses his platform in the mainstream to shine a light on independent artists and causes, frequently wearing shirts of obscure hardcore bands during televised performances and stadium shows.
Technical Analysis of Hurley’s Drumming Style
Across all these projects, certain "Hurleyisms" remain constant. He is known for a very "dry" and punchy drum sound. Whether he is playing a massive arena or a basement, his snare hits are consistently powerful and centered.
- Double-Bass Proficiency: In bands like The Damned Things and SECT, his footwork is precise, often utilizing "swivel" or "heel-toe" techniques to achieve high speeds without sacrificing power.
- The "Pop" Influence in Metal: Interestingly, his time in Fall Out Boy has made him a better metal drummer. He understands song structure and where to place "breathing room" in a track, which makes his heavy projects more listenable than standard "noise" hardcore.
- Minimalist Gear, Maximalist Sound: Despite having access to the most expensive gear in the world, Hurley often uses a relatively standard four or five-piece kit for his side projects. He relies on his technique rather than a massive array of percussion to create a wall of sound.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Andy Hurley still in Fall Out Boy while doing these side projects?
Yes. Fall Out Boy remains his primary professional commitment. He typically schedules his side projects, tours, and recordings during Fall Out Boy’s "down cycles" or hiatus periods. As of 2026, he continues to record and tour with all four original members of the band.
Why is Andy Hurley considered a "vegan straight-edge" icon?
Hurley has adhered to a vegan diet and a "straight-edge" (no drugs or alcohol) lifestyle for decades. In the hardcore community, these commitments are seen as a form of personal and political resistance. His high-profile success has made him one of the most visible representatives of this subculture.
Which Andy Hurley side project is the heaviest?
SECT is widely considered his heaviest and most aggressive project. It utilizes elements of grindcore and D-beat, featuring distorted vocals and constant high-speed drumming that is significantly more intense than his work in The Damned Things or Fall Out Boy.
Does Andy Hurley write the lyrics for his side projects?
While he contributes to the thematic direction, especially in politically charged bands like Racetraitor, he is primarily the drummer and a songwriter for the musical arrangements. In bands like SECT, the lyrical content is often driven by the vocalists (like Chris Colohan), though it aligns closely with Hurley's own worldview.
Have any of his side projects won awards?
The Damned Things' debut album Ironiclast received significant critical acclaim and charted on the Billboard 200, though they haven't sought mainstream awards in the same way Fall Out Boy has. Most of his side projects operate in the independent sphere where success is measured by community impact rather than trophy counts.
Final Recommendation for New Listeners
If you are coming from a pop-punk background and want to explore Andy Hurley’s "unexpected" side, start with The Damned Things. Their music provides a bridge between catchy rock hooks and heavy metal grit. For those who want to understand the true "core" of Hurley’s musical spirit, listen to SECT’s self-titled debut or Racetraitor’s 2042. These albums offer a raw look at the drummer's technical ability and his commitment to his roots. Following his journey across these diverse bands provides a deeper appreciation for one of modern rock's most versatile and principled musicians.
