In a shocking turn of events, the last six weeks have seen a flurry of drummer departures in the rock and metal scene, with eight notable bands parting ways with their percussionists. Among these, a legendary band made headlines by firing the same drummer twice. Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater has even commented on this unsettling trend, deeming it a “tough time for drummers.”
May, and the weeks prior, have proven to be a tumultuous period for drummers overall. Earlier this month, Alice in Chains canceled a brief tour due to drummer Sean Kinney’s treatment for a non-life-threatening medical emergency. Meanwhile, former Godsmack drummer Shannon Larkin made his return to the stage after stepping down from the band. He filled in for Snot’s Jamie Miller at the Welcome to Rockville festival. Additionally, 18-year-old Shane Hawkins will be drumming this summer for Chevy Metal, a covers band that once featured his late father, Taylor Hawkins.
With so many significant drummer changes occurring in such a short span, the rock and metal community is left wondering about the reasons behind these shifts. The upheaval behind the kit has undoubtedly stirred the music world, making it difficult for bands to maintain their rhythm.
Recent Drummer Departures
Zak Starkey (The Who) — A Two-Time Firing
The saga surrounding Zak Starkey and The Who has been one of the most dramatic this year. After 29 years with the band, Starkey was let go in mid-April, with a statement indicating a collective decision for him to part ways after a series of shows at the Royal Albert Hall. Starkey expressed surprise and sadness over the decision, stating he was unaware of any issues with his performance.
Just three days later, it was revealed that Starkey was invited back due to “communication issues.” However, on May 19, Starkey was dismissed for a second time, with Scott Devours announced as his replacement. Starkey later commented that his exit was amicable but also characterized the circumstances around it as “total bollocks.”
Josh Freese (Foo Fighters)
In a surprising mid-May announcement, Josh Freese revealed he was replaced in Foo Fighters. Freese had stepped in as the drummer following the death of Taylor Hawkins and had performed with the band during their latest tour. His social media post indicated he was shocked and disappointed, stating that the band decided to “go in a different direction” without providing further explanation. Freese retained his humor, later sharing a tongue-in-cheek list of possible reasons for his dismissal.
Ken Bedene (Aborted)
Ken Bedene parted ways with Aborted after 15 years, with little detail surrounding his exit. The band announced that their European tour would continue with Kevin Paradis taking over drumming duties. Bedene later addressed his departure, explaining that he left to protect the community he cared for after an incident involving an online interaction with a young fan.
David-Karl Friedrich (Electric Callboy)
David-Karl Friedrich announced his exit from Electric Callboy after 13 years. Unlike some of the other departures, this one was drama-free, with the band expressing their respect for Friedrich and wishing him well. Frank Zummo will take over drumming for the group moving forward.
Kris Myers (Umphrey’s McGee)
Mid-May brought another shock when Kris Myers left Umphrey’s McGee after 22 years. His departure appeared amicable, with the band celebrating his contributions on social media. Myers noted that the decision to leave was not easy but necessary for him to pursue other musical endeavors.
Tanner Wayne (In Flames)
In late May, In Flames announced the departure of Tanner Wayne, who joined the band in 2019. The band’s statement expressed gratitude for Wayne’s contributions while introducing Jon Rice as his replacement for upcoming European tour dates.
Matt Lynch (Cynic)
On May 29, Cynic confirmed the departure of drummer Matt Lynch, expressing gratitude for their time together. Lynch had been with the band since 2015 and performed on their recent Ascension Codes album.
Guido Zima Montanarini (Paradise Lost)
Also on May 29, Paradise Lost revealed they were parting ways with Guido Zima Montanarini, who had joined the band only in 2023. The band thanked him for his contributions, with no immediate announcement of a replacement.
Conclusion
The recent shake-up in the drumming world of rock and metal has left fans and musicians alike pondering the reasons behind these sudden changes. With eight drummers departing from their bands in just six weeks, it’s clear that this year has posed significant challenges for those behind the kit. As bands adjust to these transitions, the future remains uncertain, but the resilience of the rock and metal community is sure to prevail.
FAQs
Why have so many drummers left their bands recently?
The reasons vary from personal decisions to health issues, communication problems, and other circumstances unique to each musician and band.
What impact does a drummer’s departure have on a band?
A drummer’s departure can significantly impact a band’s dynamics, sound, and overall performance. It often leads to a search for a suitable replacement, which can create uncertainty within the group.
Are there any replacements announced for the drummers who left their bands?
Yes, some bands have already announced replacements, while others are still in the process of finding new drummers.
Is this trend of drummer changes common in the music industry?
While changes can happen, such a concentrated number of departures in a short time frame is unusual and has garnered attention within the music community.
