Lecture Notes: 21 Pilots Lore

Introduction

• Danny's passion for 21 Pilots (TOP) began with a tweet reply by Austin Green.
• Danny discusses the band’s lore and their albums, particularly focusing on the story encapsulated in their music.

Personal Experience & Background

• Danny has attended multiple 21 Pilots concerts since December 2015.
• Has seen performances at:
  • The Nights We Stole Christmas (2015)
  • Emotional Roadshow Tour (2016, 2017)
  • Bandito Tour (2018, 2019)
• Missed the Takeover and Icy tours due to military training.

21 Pilots Lore Deep Dive

• **Key Albums & Concepts: **
  • Trench: Focuses on the land between Dema and the Banditos’ base.
  • Blurryface: Introduced Dema, a place of oppression and control.

Setting: The Land of Trench

• Dema: A city surrounded by a wall with nine towers and districts, each ruled by a bishop.
• Trench: Contains a desert, cheetahs, and the Banditos' camp.
• Volo: An island where the Neds reside.
• Paladin Strait: Connects Volo and Trench, with implications for escape and rebellion.

Characters

• Clancy: Protagonist played by Tyler Joseph. Writes letters about life in Dema.
• Torch Bearer: Played by Josh Dunn, mysterious leader of the Banditos.
• Nico/Blurryface: Antagonist, leader of the bishops.
• Keons: Clancy's bishop, portrayed as somewhat kind.
• Ned: A creature symbolic of creativity and inspiration.

Themes and Symbolism

• East is Up: Motto for Bandidos signifying hope and escape.
• Vultures & Clifford: Represents resilience and rebellion.
• Neon Gravestones: Symbolizes the oppressive nature of Dema.

The Storyline

• Clancy's rebellion against Dema, his escape attempts, and interactions with the Banditos.
• The concept of being “smeared” by bishops and its implications.
• Clancy’s evolution from a prisoner to a legend through music and letters.

Clancy’s Website: Dema.org

• Used to spread Clancy’s messages and lore-related puzzles.
• Various posts revealing more about the story and the band’s music.
• Fans engage with the site to uncover hidden messages and codes.

Conclusion

• The ongoing nature of the lore with hint at a climactic resolution.
• Anticipation for the final music video, Paladin Strait.

Reflections

• Danny’s personal connection to the story and anticipation for its conclusion.
• Speculation about what the final installment will reveal about the fate of Clancy, Dema, and the Banditos.