Gonzo

No, this song is not about the famous Muppet. American journalist and author Hunter S. Thompson is credited as the creator of Gonzo journalism, in which reporters involve themselves in the action to such a degree that the distinctions between fiction and non fiction are blurred. All American Rejects frontman and lyricist Tyson Ritter found himself reading a lot of Thompson's works during a manic period after touring When The World Comes Down. He explained to Artist Direct: "I felt so maniacal that I wanted to attach myself to writers who were sort of at the same place as me at that time. That was a crazy journey [Laughs]. The sentiment of Thompson's quote, 'Buy the ticket, take the ride' made me think of the ride we had as a band. 'Gonzo' reflects on how we started, all we've sacrificed, all we've gained, and what this band is ten years later. That song is something we've never done before. It's different."