Tyler Glenn
A rock frontman whose energetic performances with Neon Trees delivered smash hits, and whose solo work became a raw, personal exploration of faith and identity.
Born 1983 (age 43)·American musician·Birthday: November 28·Millennials
Biography
Tyler Glenn brought new wave flair back to the rock mainstream. As the spiky-haired, eyeliner-wearing frontman of Neon Trees, he commanded stages with a preacher's fervor, belting out synth-rock anthems like 'Animal' and 'Everybody Talks' that dominated radio. The band's success, however, existed alongside a private struggle; Glenn was a closeted Mormon grappling with his sexuality. After coming out publicly, his art transformed. His 2016 solo album 'Excommunication' was a blistering, dance-infused catharsis, directly confronting the pain of his religious upbringing and the process of leaving the LDS Church. This brave pivot showcased an artist unwilling to be confined by genre or expectation, using synth-pop as a vehicle for profound personal testimony. Glenn's journey redefined him from a hitmaker to a vital voice for LGBTQ+ individuals navigating complex relationships with faith.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Tyler was born in 1983, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Tyler Was Born
The biggest hits of 1983
#1 Movie
Return of the Jedi
Best Picture
Terms of Endearment
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Tyler's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1983Born
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1988Started school
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1996Became a teenager
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
1999Could drive
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2001Could vote
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Turned 21
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2013Turned 30
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2023Turned 40
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 43 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Co-wrote and performed the double-platinum hit 'Everybody Talks' with Neon Trees, which peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100.
- Released the critically acclaimed solo album 'Excommunication', a deeply personal exploration of his departure from the Mormon faith.
- Performed with Neon Trees on major television stages including Saturday Night Live and the Late Show with David Letterman.
- The debut Neon Trees single 'Animal' reached number one on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart.
Did You Know?
He served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Nebraska before his music career took off.
Glenn is openly gay and his decision to come out publicly was influenced by the suicide of a gay Mormon teenager.
He appeared in a 2012 episode of the television series 'The Vampire Diaries'.
He is of Scottish and Panamanian descent.
“I needed to make a record that was about my truth, and my truth was leaving the Mormon church.”
