Alkaline Trio Announce New Drummer

Onetime touring member Atom Willard has joined the band following the exit of Derek Grant

BY Alex HudsonPublished Jun 16, 2023

Alkaline Trio's drummer Derek Grant left the band earlier this month, but rather than become Alkaline Duo, the group have now announced his replacement: Atom Willard, a journeyman drummer who has played in many bands, including Angels & Airwaves, the Offpring, Social Distortion, Against Me! and Rocket from the Crypt.

On Instagram, Alkaline Trio posted a photo of the drummer, captioning it simply, "Welcome, Atom!"

On his own Instagram, Willard posted the band's logo and wrote, "Truly honored to be trusted with these big shoes. Thank you Dan and Matt."

Willard has played with Alkaline Trio before; after drummer Mike Felumlee exited the lineup in 2001, Willard filled in on tour before being replaced by Derek Grant, who then remained in the lineup for the next 22 years.

Alkaline Trio will play a series of US shows this summer. There currently aren't any Canadian dates.

Thanks to Exclaim! reader Ryan Strummer for the tip.
 

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