Ned

Lore & Background

Ned is introduced as a small, furry creature that serves as a source of comfort and protection for the Banditos, the resistance group fighting against the oppressive regime of Dema. In the music video for 'Nico and the Niners,' Ned is shown being tenderly cared for by the Banditos, who feed it fruit and keep it hidden from the bishops' watchful eyes. Its presence is a living symbol of hope and resilience — a soft, breathing defiance in a world dominated by fear and control.

In Their Own Story

In the dim light of a hidden cave, a group of Banditos huddle around a small, furry creature. Its large eyes blink slowly as it nibbles on a piece of fruit offered by a young woman. The creature, Ned, purrs softly, its warmth a stark contrast to the cold, gray world outside. For a moment, the weight of their struggle lifts, replaced by a fragile sense of peace — a pocket of warmth in a sea of ash and neon.

Reader's Guide

Ned is a creature of unknown origin, but it is clearly tied to the Banditos and their mission. In-world, Ned appears to be a source of emotional support and perhaps even a symbol of the natural world that the oppressive city of Dema seeks to suppress. It is not a weapon or a tool, but a living being that the Banditos protect and cherish — a tiny, furry anchor of humanity. Its exact abilities are unclear, but its presence seems to bring a sense of calm and unity to those around it. The Banditos, particularly Clancy, are closely associated with Ned, suggesting a deep, almost sacred bond between the creature and the resistance.

Did You Know?

• Ned's name is a fan-given nickname; the band has no officially released song by that title.
• The creature's design was inspired by a combination of a bear and a dog, giving it a friendly, approachable look that feels like a warm hug in a dystopian world.
• Ned first appears in the music video for 'Jumpsuit', where it is briefly seen, and later appears in 'Nico and the Niners' as a key element of the Banditos' hideout — a living mascot of their quiet rebellion.
• Fans have speculated that Ned represents the band's inner child or a symbol of innocence in a harsh world, a fragile thing worth protecting at all costs.

Columbus Roots and the Birth of a Band

Tyler Joseph and Nick Thomas first crossed paths on a youth basketball court in Columbus, Ohio, a connection that would outlast their high school years and eventually shape American music. Joseph's musical journey began humbly when he discovered an old keyboard tucked away in his closet—a Christmas gift from his mother—and started imitating melodies he heard on the radio. By 2007, he had recorded a solo EP called No Phun Intended in his parents' basement, with Thomas lending guitar work to several tracks. The band's true formation came during Joseph's time at Ohio State University, where a party introduction led him to Chris Salih, a Texas-born drummer who had built a home recording studio. Impressed by the space and Joseph's creative energy, the two began collaborating, and Joseph brought Thomas in as bassist. By 2009, the trio had moved into a shared house and recorded their debut album in the basement, playing shows at metal, hardcore, and electronic venues across Columbus. Their early marketing was remarkably grassroots—Joseph's mother would hand out tickets outside the university, and the group competed in Battle of the Band contests at local venues like The Alrosa Villa and The Basement.

Becoming a Duo: The 2011 Transition

The summer of 2011 marked a pivotal structural shift. Chris Salih departed on May 8 to pursue work, and Nick Thomas followed on June 3 to continue his schooling, each posting a farewell message on the band's Facebook page. Before leaving, Salih recommended Josh Dun—a Guitar Center co-worker and former touring drummer for House of Heroes—who had first heard the group's music through a SoundCloud upload of "Time to Say Goodbye." Dun set aside his plans to pursue drumming in Nashville and joined the project just weeks before Thomas's exit. The resulting duo self-released Regional at Best on July 8, 2011, with Joseph handling nearly all production. The album featured Joseph's brother Zack on "Kitchen Sink" and a college acquaintance named Jocef on "Be Concerned," and was accompanied by a free CD release show at New Albany High School. Despite their departures, both Salih and Thomas remained involved in the band's production for a time. Thomas eventually moved back into the Columbus house and took on merchandise management, a role he maintained through the production of Blurryface and beyond. By November 2011, months of social media engagement and relentless local touring had built enough momentum for a sold-out show at Newport Music Hall.

Breakthrough and Chart Dominance

After signing with Fueled by Ramen in 2012, Twenty One Pilots released Vessel in 2013, an album that became the second in history to have every single track earn at least a gold certification. Their true breakthrough arrived in 2015 with Blurryface, which produced the massive singles "Stressed Out" and "Ride" and became the first album in which every track received gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America. "Stressed Out" earned the duo a Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the 59th Annual ceremony. The following year, the release of "Heathens" made them the first alternative artist ever to hold two concurrent top-five singles on the Billboard Hot 100, and the third rock act in history to achieve that feat—joining only the Beatles and Elvis Presley in that distinction. Their chart dominance continued across subsequent releases: Trench (2018), Scaled and Icy (2021), Clancy (2024), and Breach (2025). Across their career, the duo has accumulated 14 number-one songs on the Alternative Airplay chart, a tally that ties them with Linkin Park for the second-most in that category.

Genre-Defying Sound and Theatrical Performance

Twenty One Pilots has consistently resisted easy categorization, weaving together disparate musical styles into a sound that defies conventional genre labels. This eclecticism traces back to their early days playing at metal, hardcore, and electronic venues around Columbus, where exposure to such varied audiences pushed Joseph to incorporate those influences into his songwriting. Lyrically, the group has built a reputation for exploring themes of personal insecurity, resonating with a devoted fanbase that extends well beyond typical rock demographics. Their live performances are equally distinctive: to capture the attention of unfamiliar audiences and promoters in their early days, the band began experimenting with elaborate costumes and on-stage acrobatics, a theatrical approach that has remained a signature element of their shows. Beyond the music, the duo has cultivated an alternate universe storyline told through several concept albums, deepening the narrative connection between the band and its listeners. Their creative output also extends into the church community in Columbus, where Joseph, Dun, and Salih contributed tracks to the Five14 church album Clear alongside gospel rock band New Albany Music.