Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised May 30, 2026

Panic Switch

"Panic Switch" is a song by the American alternative rock band Silversun Pickups. It was the first single released from the group's second album, Swoon (2009), on March 17, 2009. The song reached number one on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart, becoming their first number-one single on any Billboard chart. "Panic Switch" was the first song by an independent artist to reach number one on the chart in 11 years. After a one-week stay at number one, it spent 11 weeks at number two behind Linkin Park's "New Divide". It is also their first Hot 100 entry, peaking at number 92.

Last revised
May 30, 2026
Read time
≈ 3 min
Length
619 w
Citations
14
Source
Wikipedia ↗
"Panic Switch"
Single by Silversun Pickups
from the album Swoon
ReleasedMarch 17, 2009
Genre
Length5:44 (album version)
4:14 (radio edit)
LabelDangerbird
Songwriters
  • Brian Aubert
  • Christopher Guanlao
  • Joe Lester
  • Nikki Monninger
ProducerDave Cooley
Silversun Pickups singles chronology
"Little Lover's So Polite"
(2008) 		"Panic Switch"
(2009) 		"Substitution"
(2009)
Music video
"Panic Switch" on YouTube

"Panic Switch" is a song by the American alternative rock band Silversun Pickups. It was the first single released from the group's second album, Swoon (2009), on March 17, 2009. The song reached number one on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart, becoming their first number-one single on any Billboard chart.2 "Panic Switch" was the first song by an independent artist to reach number one on the chart in 11 years.3 After a one-week stay at number one, it spent 11 weeks at number two behind Linkin Park's "New Divide". It is also their first Hot 100 entry, peaking at number 92.

Background

When asked about the song, singer Brian Aubert told MTV that the song was added late to the album, almost as an afterthought. It is meant to represent a nervous breakdown, which is a major theme of the album.4

Reception

The song was ranked at no. 45 on Consequence of Sound's Every Alternative Rock No. 1 Hit from Worst to Best.5

Use in other media

The song appeared in the trailer for Sucker Punch.67

In 2012, Mitt Romney's presidential campaign received a cease and desist request from Silversun Pickups, who alleged illegal use of their song at a campaign event set-up in North Carolina. Romney's spokeswoman, Amanda Henneberg, stated that playing the song before the event began was covered under the campaign's regular blanket license and would not play it again.8

Charts

Certifications

Certifications for "Panic Switch"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)14 Gold 500,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References

References

  1. Matera, Joe (July 21, 2009). "Silversun Pickups: 'We Like When The Guitar Is Used As A Texture'". Ultimate-Guitar.com. Retrieved May 4, 2019.
  2. "Artist Chart History - Silversun Pickups - Singles". Billboard. Retrieved May 22, 2009.
  3. "Silversun Pickups Hit #1 With Lead Single "Panic Switch"". Dangerbird Records. Archived from the original on June 27, 2009. Retrieved November 21, 2009.
  4. Montgomery, James (March 5, 2009). "Exclusive: Silversun Pickups Preview A Pair Of Swoon Songs". MTV. Archived from the original on March 9, 2009. Retrieved March 31, 2009.
  5. Philip Cosores and COS Staff (July 4, 2017). "Ranking: Every Alternative Rock No. 1 Hit from Worst to Best (Page 17)". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved March 23, 2020.
  6. Spicer, Nathan (March 27, 2011). "20 Great Songs from Movie Trailers". Paste Magazine Blog. Retrieved September 23, 2016.
  7. "Silversun Pickups "Panic Switch" Featured in Sucker Punch Movie Trailer « Dangerbird Records". dangerbirdrecords.com. Archived from the original on April 11, 2013. Retrieved June 17, 2014.
  8. "Trending: Band demands that Romney campaign stop using its song". CNN. Retrieved August 16, 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  9. "CZ - Radio - Top 20 Modern Rock - Panic Switc - Silversun Pickups" (in Czech). IFPI Czech Republic. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  10. "Offizielle Deutsche Charts" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved April 23, 2026.
  11. "Silversun Pickups Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved August 7, 2017.
  12. "Silversun Pickups Chart History (Hot Rock & Alternative Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved April 23, 2026.
  13. "Hot Rock Songs – Year-End 2009". Billboard. Archived from the original on March 24, 2018. Retrieved April 23, 2026.
  14. "American single certifications – Silversun Pickups – Panic Switch". Recording Industry Association of America.