History of John Nolan (musician) in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 11, 2026

John Nolan is an American musician recognized as the guitarist and co-lead vocalist for the rock band Taking Back Sunday. Before joining Taking Back Sunday, he was the lead singer, pianist, and guitarist of the band Straylight Run. His work spans multiple instruments and vocal roles within the alternative rock scene.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

February 24, 1978: John Nolan's Birth

On February 24, 1978, John Thomas Nolan was born. He is an American musician known for his work with Taking Back Sunday and Straylight Run.

1999: Joining Taking Back Sunday

In 1999, John Nolan joined Taking Back Sunday after being recruited by Jesse Lacey.

2002: Release of 'Tell All Your Friends'

In 2002, Taking Back Sunday released their debut album, Tell All Your Friends.

2003: Departure from Taking Back Sunday and Formation of Straylight Run

In 2003, John Nolan and bassist Shaun Cooper left Taking Back Sunday. They then formed the band Straylight Run.

2003: Formation of Straylight Run

In 2003, John Nolan formed Straylight Run with his sister Michelle DaRosa, drummer Will Noon, and former Taking Back Sunday bassist Shaun Cooper.

2003: Departure from Taking Back Sunday

In 2003, John Nolan left Taking Back Sunday to pursue a different musical direction, citing personal differences with other band members.

2004: Releases by Straylight Run

From 2004 onwards, Straylight Run would release two albums and four EP's.

2004: Release of Straylight Run's Debut Album

In 2004, Straylight Run released their self-titled debut album, which peaked at number 100 on the Billboard 200 and number 4 on the Billboard Independent Albums chart.

2005: Release of 'Prepare to be Wrong EP'

In 2005, Straylight Run's 'Prepare to be Wrong' EP charted at number 168.

2007: Release of 'The Needles The Space'

In 2007, Straylight Run released 'The Needles The Space' album, which debuted at number 72 on the Billboard 200, marking the band's highest position on that chart.

May 1, 2009: Solo Material Announcement

On May 1, 2009, John Nolan announced on his MySpace blog that he would be working on solo material.

October 27, 2009: Release of 'Height'

On October 27, 2009, John Nolan released his first solo album, 'Height', on Doghouse Records.

2009: End of Releases by Straylight Run

Up until 2009, Straylight Run would release two albums and four EP's.

February 16, 2010: Straylight Run Hiatus Announcement

On February 16, 2010, it was announced that Straylight Run was on "hiatus", with a live album planned for future release.

March 2010: Rejoining Taking Back Sunday

In March 2010, John Nolan and Shaun Cooper rejoined Taking Back Sunday, reforming the Tell All Your Friends-era lineup.

2011: Release of Self-Titled Album

In 2011, Taking Back Sunday released their self-titled album, which peaked at number 17 on the Billboard 200 after Nolan's rejoining.

2014: Contribution to 'Bridge and Tunnel' Soundtrack

In 2014, John Nolan contributed the song "Here Comes the Wolf" to the soundtrack of the Jason Michael Brescia film, 'Bridge and Tunnel'.

Loading Video...

2014: Release of 'Happiness Is'

In 2014, Taking Back Sunday released the album 'Happiness Is', which debuted at number 10 on the Billboard 200 and reached number 1 on Billboard's Top Independent Albums chart, becoming Nolan's highest-charting album.