What Happened to The Chainsmokers?
The Chainsmokers, an American electronic DJ and production duo consisting of Alex Pall and Drew Taggart, rose to global fame with their infectious blend of EDM and pop, achieving numerous chart-topping hits and a Grammy Award. After a period of intense touring and a creative hiatus, they have successfully re-emerged with new music, including several EPs in 2024, 2025, and 2026, and continue to maintain a robust international touring schedule and a long-term Las Vegas residency.
Quick Answer
The Chainsmokers are actively making music and touring extensively as of August 2026. After a creative hiatus from 2020-2021, the duo, Alex Pall and Drew Taggart, released their fourth album 'So Far So Good' in 2022, followed by 'Summertime Friends' in 2023, and EPs 'No Hard Feelings' (2024), 'Breathe' (2025), and 'Love Is Kind' (2026). They are headlining major festivals and have a Las Vegas residency renewed through 2029, demonstrating their continued prominence in the electronic music scene.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Formation of The Chainsmokers
Alex Pall and Drew Taggart officially formed The Chainsmokers as an EDM DJ duo in New York City under the management of Adam Alpert.
Breakthrough with "#Selfie"
The duo achieved viral success with their single "#Selfie," which became a top-20 hit in several countries and peaked at number one on the Billboard Dance/Electronic Songs chart.
Release of 'Bouquet' EP and "Roses"
The Chainsmokers released their debut EP, 'Bouquet,' featuring the single "Roses," which reached the top 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and was certified double platinum.
"Don't Let Me Down" Released
The single "Don't Let Me Down," featuring Daya, became their first top-five hit on the Billboard chart and later won a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording.
"Closer" Becomes a Global Phenomenon
Their single "Closer," featuring Halsey, became their first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100, holding the top spot for 12 consecutive weeks and becoming one of Spotify's most-streamed songs.
Debut Album 'Memories...Do Not Open' Released
The duo released their debut studio album, 'Memories...Do Not Open,' which topped the US Billboard 200 chart and featured hit singles "Paris" and "Something Just Like This" (with Coldplay).
Release of 'World War Joy' and Forbes Recognition
The Chainsmokers released their third studio album, 'World War Joy,' and were named the highest-paid DJs by Forbes, dethroning Calvin Harris.
Announce Hiatus for Creative Reset
The duo announced a hiatus from social media and new music to focus on their 'next chapter in music,' citing creative burnout from extensive touring.
Return with 'So Far So Good' Album
After their hiatus, The Chainsmokers returned with their fourth studio album, 'So Far So Good,' which debuted at number one on the Billboard Top Dance/Electronic Albums Chart.
Release of 'Summertime Friends' Album
The Chainsmokers released their fifth studio album, 'Summertime Friends,' continuing their post-hiatus musical output.
Release of 'No Hard Feelings' EP
The duo released their third EP, 'No Hard Feelings,' featuring the single "Addicted" with Zerb and Ink.
Release of 'Breathe' EP
The Chainsmokers released their EP 'Breathe,' which included singles like "Smooth," "Helium," and "White Wine & Adderall."
Release of 'Love Is Kind' EP
The Chainsmokers released the five-track EP 'Love Is Kind,' a collaborative project with Swedish singer Oaks (Winona Oak), featuring tracks like "Echo" and "Already Know."
Headlining Tomorrowland 2026
The Chainsmokers performed a live set at Tomorrowland 2026 in Boom, Belgium, showcasing their continued presence at major international festivals.
Closing Act for Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026
The Chainsmokers are confirmed to deliver the closing performance of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026 at Etihad Live, alongside The Script.
Follow this story
Get an email when this timeline gets a major update.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The Chainsmokers, comprised of Alex Pall and Drew Taggart, first gained widespread attention with their viral 2014 track "#Selfie," which became a top-20 single in several countries. This initial breakthrough was followed by a string of massive hits that solidified their position in the EDM-pop landscape. Key singles like "Roses" (2015), "Don't Let Me Down" (2016, featuring Daya, which earned them a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording), and the chart-topping "Closer" (2016, featuring Halsey) propelled them to global stardom. Their debut studio album, 'Memories...Do Not Open,' released in April 2017, debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200.
Following a period of intense productivity with subsequent albums 'Sick Boy' (2018) and 'World War Joy' (2019), the duo announced a hiatus from social media and new music releases in early 2020. This break was a conscious decision driven by burnout from extensive touring—reportedly 180 shows per year—and a desire for a creative reset to reconnect with their musical vision. During this time, they released a soundtrack album, 'Words on Bathroom Walls' (2020), and held a charity concert.
The Chainsmokers made a significant return to the music scene in 2022 with singles "High" and "iPad," leading up to their fourth studio album, 'So Far So Good,' which debuted at number one on the Billboard Top Dance/Electronic Albums Chart. This marked a new chapter, showcasing their evolution as musicians and songwriters. They continued this momentum with their fifth studio album, 'Summertime Friends,' released in October 2023.
Their recent output includes a series of EPs: 'No Hard Feelings' in 2024, 'Breathe' in October 2025, and 'Love Is Kind' in May 2026, a collaborative project with Oaks (Winona Oak). These releases feature tracks like "Addicted," "Smooth," "Helium," "White Wine & Adderall," and "Echo." Beyond music, the duo has also ventured into the business world, notably with their involvement in venture capital through Mantis.
As of August 26, 2026, The Chainsmokers remain highly active. They are engaged in a busy touring schedule, headlining major festivals worldwide, including Tomorrowland 2026, EDC Las Vegas 2026, and Austin City Limits 2026. They are also confirmed to close the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026 on December 6. Their multi-year Las Vegas residency has been renewed through 2029, underscoring their enduring appeal and commitment to live performances.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if The Chainsmokers made different choices?