Founded by close collaborators Granduciel and Kurt Vile, the War on Drugs released their debut studio album, Wagonwheel Blues, in 2008.

Vile departed shortly after its release to focus on his solo career, with Granduciel serving as the band's sole constant member thereafter.

The band's third album, Lost in the Dream, was released in 2014 following extensive touring and a period of loneliness and clinical depression for primary songwriter Granduciel.

Regarding the band's name, Granduciel said, "My friend Julian and I came up with it a few years ago over a couple bottles of red wine and a few typewriters when we were living in Oakland.

"[10] The lineup had several changes and by the end of 2008, Kurt Vile, Charlie Hall, and Kyle Lloyd all had exited the group.

Drummer Steven Urgo joined the band, with keyboardist Robbie Bennett being added at about the same time.

[13] Award-winning alt-country rocker Ryan Adams said on Twitter that Lost in the Dream was a perfect album.

[15] On Record Store Day, April 22, 2017, the War on Drugs released their new single "Thinking of a Place".

[17] April 28, 2017, the War on Drugs announced a fall 2017 tour in North America and Europe and that a new album was imminent.

The 2017 tour began in September, opening in the band's hometown, Philadelphia, and it concluded in November in Sweden.

For the album's accompanying tour, keyboardist Eliza Hardy Jones, who has previously played with bass guitarist Dave Hartley in his solo project, Nightlands, joined the band.

Granduciel produced the forthcoming sixth solo studio album by The Hold Steady's Craig Finn, Always Been, scheduled for release on April 4, 2025.

In 2011, Vile said, "When my record came out, I assumed Adam would want to focus on the War on Drugs but he came with us in The Violators when we toured the States.

[36] In 2024, Granduciel appeared on Beyoncé's eighth studio album, Cowboy Carter, performing electric guitar on the track, "II Most Wanted".

[38] Granduciel produced the sixth solo studio album by The Hold Steady's Craig Finn, Always Been, scheduled for release on April 4, 2025.