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7th October 2024Imagine Dragons is one of the biggest bands on earth, playing to millions every month and using their platform to raise awareness of important social issues that impact all our lives.
Mercury – Act 1 was produced by legendary producer Rick Rubin. We spoke to lead singer/songwriter Dan Reynolds about how music provides him an escape, working with Rick Rubin, and performing live.
1. Dan Reynolds
Imagine Dragons is a Grammy award-winning band formed in 2008 by guitarist Wayne Sermon and bassist Ben McKee. Since then, drummer Daniel Platzman and the Swedish songwriting/production duo Mattman & Robin have joined them on tour. Their songs have been streamed billions of times online; their new album “Loom” will be out June 30.
Reynolds released “Mercury,” a profound, emotive double album about heartache and loss two years prior. Reynolds claims this new record was recorded using different techniques than its predecessor.
Reynolds has been in a relationship with actress Minka Kelly since 2022 and recently spoke out about their special connection. Reynolds also discusses his complicated relationship with Mormonism as he was raised in a “really conservative” household before attending Brigham Young University and serving a two-year mission in Nebraska; later practicing a nondenominational Christian religion himself but remaining close with family members who still practice Mormonism.
2. Wayne Sermon
Imagine Dragons lead guitarist Wayne Sermon is a Berklee alumni with formal training in both composition and guitar performance. Alongside bandmate Dan Reynolds, both men served Mormon missionary service; additionally, Reynolds’ wife (professional ballerina Alexandra Hall) graduated from Brigham Young University.
Imagine Dragons’ “Eyes Closed,” an eclectic song blending pop, alt-rock and even dubstep elements, has been heralded as their most dynamic release so far – especially its music video! However, its musical video has quickly become the talk of Las Vegas-based quartet.
Dan Reynolds, Ben McKee and Daniel Platzman of chart-topping band the Neighbourhood made an appearance on The Howard Stern Show to discuss everything from their new double album to their time spent scrubbing out feces in Nebraska for two years. As well as this they shared insight into their musical influences as well as revealing some pranks they have pulled on tour!
3. Ben McKee
“Radioactive,” released by the band, shot into the top 10 of Billboard Hot 100 chart and set an unprecedented record for longest stay. Since then, its reach has exceeded 1 billion streams on YouTube alone.
Imagine Dragons have spent much of the last several years touring and have released two multiplatinum albums – 2014’s Mercury – Acts 1 & 2, as well as 2021’s Smoke + Mirrors, plus a documentary and numerous live performances.
The bassist and his wife Mary sought a tranquil home where they could unwind after long days on the road. They found the perfect contemporary gem in Oakland, California: an exclusive enclave boasting Bay Area views.
McKee has become an outstanding philanthropist, giving away $1,000 every day to organizations helping the environment, women and children, those living with disabilities and more. He posts these donations on his Twitter(Opens in new window). In addition, he has helped raise funds for Tyler Robinson Foundation(Opens in new window), an organization which assists families who are dealing with pediatric cancer by covering unanticipated expenses that arise when fighting the disease.
4. Daniel Platzman
Imagine Dragons have earned chart-topping hits with their chart-busting singles, double album releases, and documentary that follows their rise from dive bars on Las Vegas strip to headlining its giant football stadium. Howard interviewed Imagine Dragons about everything from musical influences, the new record release process, to how Ukrainian President Zelensky stopped by for an interview on Zoom TV!
Daniel Platzman delivered a heartfelt letter to fans announcing his departure from the band to pursue film composing full time, leaving behind an outstanding legacy of drumming that helped define many hit singles and albums from Night Visions, Mercury Acts 1 & 2, Loom and beyond.
Imagine Dragons frontman Dan uses a Chicago Custom Percussion kit with maple/red mahogany finish and 60’s oyster inlays onstage with Imagine Dragons; check out what gear he uses by viewing his SJC Drums Artist Profile.
