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Panic! At the Disco Guitarist Turns 21, Will Still Get Carded for the Rest of His Life

Panic!’s Ryan RossPhoto: Elizabeth Cline

Ryan Ross is now a man. Scratch that. The Panic! At the Disco guitarist is still just boyish, pretty, and fragile-looking as ever. But he is of legal drinking age! We popped over to Ross’s 21st birthday party at Pete Wentz’s bar, Angels & Kings, last night, where Ross knocked back his first government-condoned drinks. Ross’s girlfriend, Keltie Colleen, and her friends also surprised Ross with a cake wearing Vegas-showgirl-lookin’ getups (we were told they’re in a Pussy Cat Dolls–style dance group). He was also gifted with a framed photo of the Beatles (he’s a super-fan!).

On waking up an adult, Ross ribbed Vulture with “I feel like a totally different person.” As for his plans for his 22nd year, “I want to make happier music,” he says. “There’s not a lot of happy music out there, and some people may not like it, but that’s what we’re going to work towards.” Growing up sometimes means selling out emo. —Elizabeth Cline

Panic! At the Disco Guitarist Turns 21, Will Still Get Carded for the Rest of His Life