Minus the Bear Part Ways with Drummer Erin Tate

BY Alex HudsonPublished Jan 30, 2015

Erin Tate has played drums for Seattle indie rockers Minus the Bear since way back in 2001, but that era is now coming to an end, since the band have announced his departure.

The group revealed the news yesterday (January 29) on Facebook. Although they weren't specific about the reasons for his departure, the statement alludes to "personal and creative differences." That being said, it doesn't seem as if there are particularly hard feelings, since Tate's former bandmates praised his "creativity, talent, and drive" and wished him luck on future endeavours.

Don't expect this to slow down Minus the Bear too much, since they have confirmed that they will continue touring without Tate and are working on a new album. This will be the follow-up to 2012's Infinity Overhead. They released the rarities collection Lost Loves last year.

Read the statement from the band about Tate's departure below.

Friends,

It is with heavy hearts that we regret to inform you that due to personal and creative differences Minus the Bear and Erin Tate have decided to part ways.

Erin is one of those rare talents and we consider ourselves lucky to have been able to share the past 14 years with him since this band first started. His creativity, talent, and drive undoubtedly helped get Minus the Bear to where we are today. We wish him the best of luck in all of his future endeavors.

The band will continue touring and we are currently working on the follow up to Infinity Overhead. 2015 is going to be an exciting year and we look forward to sharing what we have in store.

- Dave, Jake, Cory, Alex


Tate also tweeted the following: Minus the Bear's upcoming U.S. tour schedule can be found below.

Tour dates:

05/08 Louisville, KY - Mercury Ballroom ^
05/09 Nashville, TN - 3rd & Lindsley ^
05/10 Atlanta, GA - Shaky Knees Festival

05/11 Orlando, FL - The Social

05/12 Fort Lauderdale, FL - Culture Room

05/13 St. Petersburg, FL - The State Theatre

05/15 Richardson, TX - Wildflower Festival

05/16 Helotes, TX - Josabi's

05/17 Austin, TX - Emo's

05/19 Houston, TX - Fitzgerald's

05/20 Baton Rouge, LA - Varsity Theatre

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