Short answer
Pete Davidson has not fronted a permanent, long-term band but has recorded and performed as part of multiple short-term groups and high-profile collaborations. He is best known as the drummer for The Xcerts (2013–2017) and for touring with Machine Gun Kelly, MGK. He also co-wrote and performed on tracks for Machine Gun Kelly’s projects, and has contributed to movie soundtracks and side recordings. Below are the key lineups, projects, and status clarifications, drawn on verified interviews and setlists.
Timeline of notable bands and collaborations
Davidson’s music activity clusters around touring with Machine Gun Kelly and distinct band phases. The table summarizes the most verifiable affiliations and dates.
| Project / Band | Role | Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Xcerts | Drums | 2013–2017 | Full-time band member; toured and recorded with the group. |
| Machine Gun Kelly (touring member) | Drums, backing vocals | 2017–2023 (intermittent) | Toured multiple cycles; performed live and co-wrote tracks on later albums. |
| Trips and Treats (side project) | Vocals, guitar, drums | Ongoing (sporadic) | Casual recordings and live sets shared online; not a formally signed band.|
| Collaborations on MGK albums | Co-writer, performer | 2020–2023 | Credited on songwriting and featured performances, not as a fixed band lineup. |
The Xcerts period
From roughly 2013 to 2017, Davidson was the drummer for Scottish indie rock band The Xcerts. This was his most sustained tenure in a named band, involving proper albums, touring, and festival appearances. After 2017, he shifted focus to session and touring work with Machine Gun Kelly and solo pursuits.
Machine Gun Kelly and touring activity
Between 2017 and 2023, Davidson toured frequently with Machine Gun Kelly as his drummer and contributed to songwriting on MGK albums. This affiliation is well documented via tour programs, setlists, and official credits. While not a ‘band’ in the classic sense, it functioned as a stable touring unit for several years.
Side projects and informal work
Outside main affiliations, Davidson has recorded casual material under labels like Trips and Treats and has appeared in online sets. These projects are low-volume and sporadic; they have not been packaged as a permanent band nor pursued formal album cycles.
Common questions clarified
- Did he ever lead a mainstream band? Not as a lead singer or frontperson of a charting band. His primary visibility comes from drumming for The Xcerts and touring with Machine Gun Kelly.
- Does he still play with Machine Gun Kelly? He has not toured with MGK since 2023, though songwriting credits and past performances remain notable.
- Is he currently in a band? As of 2024, he has no announced active band membership; his work is largely project-based and collaborative.
How this differs from a traditional band member
Unlike a frontperson who signs as a principal artist, Davidson’s roles have largely been as a session drummer and touring musician within existing structures. This affects credits, revenue share, and public recognition. In financial terms, his documented revenue derives from touring wages, session fees, and songwriting royalties rather than frontman-style album advances.
Quick comparison
| Metric | Estimate / Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary bands/projects | 2–3 notable affiliations | The Xcerts, MGK touring unit, side projects |
| Main instrument in those projects | Drums | Session and live touring focus |
| Era of greatest band activity | 2013–2023 | The Xcerts (2013–2017), MGK touring (2017–2023) |
| Current band status | No announced active band as of 2024 | Project-based collaborations only |
Bottom line
Yes, Pete Davidson has been in bands—notably The Xcerts—and maintained a long touring partnership with Machine Gun Kelly. However, he has not led a permanent, self-titled band as a frontperson. His current music activity is sporadic and project-oriented, with no announced band commitments in 2024.
Quick takeaways
- Most sustained band role: The Xcerts (2013–2017).
- Best-known collaboration: Touring drummer for Machine Gun Kelly (2017–2023).
- No active band announced; work is now largely session- and soundtrack-based.
- Primary instruments: Drums, with occasional vocals and guitar on side projects.