Discover Pete Wentz's Nationality & Heritage: A Deep Dive

Ever wondered about the roots of the lyrical genius behind Fall Out Boy? Pete Wentz's background is as diverse and compelling as his songwriting.

Peter Lewis Kingston Wentz III, most famously known as Pete Wentz, burst onto the music scene as the bassist and primary lyricist for the iconic American rock band, Fall Out Boy. Born on June 5, 1979, in Wilmette, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, Wentz's upbringing was anything but ordinary. He is the son of Dale Wentz (née Lewis), a high school admissions counselor, and Pete Wentz II, an attorney. Their meeting, while campaigning for Joe Biden's senatorial run in the 1970s, was a prelude to the unique blend of influences that would shape their son's life and career. Wentz himself recalls a childhood filled with music, with one of his earliest memories being listening to The Foundations' "Build Me Up Buttercup" in his father's car. Despite the typical parent-child disagreements, Wentz has often spoken about his father’s unwavering support during the early days of his career, attending his band's shows and fostering his creative pursuits. It was this foundation, coupled with his own innate talent, that propelled him to the forefront of the pop-punk movement.