The drummer who recently showcased his talent with Lady Gaga during the Mayhem Ball live shows is gearing up for a significantly different musical endeavor this summer. Tosh Peterson has officially been announced as the new drummer for the iconic punk band Alkaline Trio.
What Led to Alkaline Trio’s Drummer Change?
Tosh Peterson, just 24 years old, will be taking over the drumming duties from Atom Willard, who shared his departure from the band in a heartfelt social media post on February 2. In his announcement, Willard expressed, “With everything going on, going wrong in the world right now, this may seem insignificant but it’s not for me. I have parted ways with Alkaline Trio. Thanks to everyone who made my time there so awesome, very thankful for the experience.”
Initially, there was no response from the remaining members—guitarist Matt Skiba and bassist Dan Andriano—until Skiba took to Instagram on March 19. He shared an interview video featuring Peterson and expressed his excitement with a simple yet enthusiastic message: “LOVE this guy. He’s already the best drummer in the world in our book @alkaline_trio. We’re HONORED to be playing with @tosh_thedrummer for these upcoming shows and we’re hoping for a long time to come.”
Shortly thereafter, Peterson confirmed the news himself with a playful post: “OK, Matt Skiba spilled the beans. I’m the new drummer for Alkaline Trio!!”
Getting to Know Tosh Peterson
Before joining Alkaline Trio, Peterson had been touring as the drummer for Lady Gaga. However, his career encompasses a wide array of experiences beyond this recent high-profile gig. According to his website, Peterson was introduced to drums at the tender age of two and began touring by 16. He has worked as a “hired gun,” collaborating with notable artists like Machine Gun Kelly, Bad Bunny, Filter, and Lil Nas X.
In 2023, Peterson gained attention for a remarkable feat, where he learned 25 songs in under two days to fill in for Fall Out Boy’s drummer, Andrew Hurley. His YouTube channel and social media have garnered a significant following, primarily due to his engaging drum tutorials.
If Peterson’s role becomes permanent, he would be the fifth full-time drummer for Alkaline Trio since their formation in 1996.
Upcoming Alkaline Trio Tour Dates
Alkaline Trio is set to hit the road this fall, joining forces with fellow Chicago punk band Rise Against for an exciting tour. Here are the scheduled dates and locations:
- Sept. 22 – Dallas, Texas @ South Side Ballroom
- Sept. 23 – Austin, Texas @ Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park
- Sept. 27 – Raleigh, N.C. @ Red Hat Amphitheater
- Sept. 30 – New York, N.Y. @ The Rooftop at Pier 17
- Oct. 03 – Asbury Park, N.J. @ Stone Pony Summer Stage
- Oct. 04 – Philadelphia, Pa. @ The Fillmore
- Oct. 06 – St. Louis, Mo. @ The Factory
- Oct. 07 – Waukee, Iowa @ Vibrant Music Hall
- Oct. 09 – Council Bluffs, Iowa @ Harrah’s Stir Cove
- Oct. 10 – Milwaukee, Wis. @ The Rave / Eagles Club
- Oct. 12 – Morrison, Colo. @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre
- Oct. 14 – Phoenix, Ariz. @ Arizona Financial Theatre
- Oct. 15 – Albuquerque, N.M. @ Revel Entertainment Center
- Oct. 17 – Las Vegas, Nev. @ Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort
- Oct. 18 – Salt Lake City, Utah @ The Union Event Center
- Oct. 20 – Seattle, Wash. @ WAMU Theater
- Oct. 22 – San Francisco, Calif. @ The Masonic
- Oct. 23 – Irvine, Calif. @ Great Park Live
Conclusion
Tosh Peterson’s transition from touring with a pop icon to joining a punk rock staple like Alkaline Trio marks an exciting new chapter in his musical journey. Fans of both the band and Peterson are eager to see how this change will influence the band’s sound and performances in the upcoming tour.
FAQs
Who is Tosh Peterson?
Tosh Peterson is a drummer known for his work with Lady Gaga and various other artists, including Machine Gun Kelly and Lil Nas X. He recently became the new drummer for Alkaline Trio.
Why did Atom Willard leave Alkaline Trio?
Atom Willard announced his departure from Alkaline Trio on social media, expressing gratitude for his time with the band and indicating that the decision was significant for him amidst a turbulent world.
When is Alkaline Trio’s upcoming tour?
Alkaline Trio will tour with Rise Against starting on September 22, 2023, with multiple dates across the United States.
