Chicago punk three-piece Alkaline Trio have become an Alkaline Duo for the time being, with news that longtime drummer Derek Grant will step down from behind the kit.
A member of Alkaline Trio since 2001, Grant (pictured right, above) wrote in a statement shared via Instagram that the decision came with "mixed emotions," explaining, "The demands of being in a touring band have become increasingly difficult in recent years, and while this was a difficult decision to make, it's the best thing for me and my mental health."
The outgoing drummer thanked fans, management, and bandmates Matt Skiba and Dan Andriano, continuing, "I got to travel the world playing music with two of my best friends and the bond that we share can never be broken. I wish them all the best moving forward. While I'll be focusing more on production music and visual art, I promise you haven't heard the last of me."
"In light of Derek's decision to step down as a member of the band, we'd like to send our love and thanks for everything he contributed," Skiba and Andriano wrote in a respective statement. "It's impossible to put into words all he's done, but we are endlessly proud of what we have accomplished with one another. Beyond the music, we appreciate all our memories — the tours, travelling the world, spending weeks making music in the studio…everything. We love you, Derek, and hope your next chapters will be filled with success and happiness!"
The band's longest-serving drummer, Grant made his first recorded appearance with Alkaline Trio in 2002 on a split EP with Hot Water Music, and his debut at album length came with 2003's Good Mourning. His playing can be heard on each of Alkaline Trio's subsequent albums, the most recent of which remains 2018's Is This Thing Cursed?
Find Grant's statement below.
A member of Alkaline Trio since 2001, Grant (pictured right, above) wrote in a statement shared via Instagram that the decision came with "mixed emotions," explaining, "The demands of being in a touring band have become increasingly difficult in recent years, and while this was a difficult decision to make, it's the best thing for me and my mental health."
The outgoing drummer thanked fans, management, and bandmates Matt Skiba and Dan Andriano, continuing, "I got to travel the world playing music with two of my best friends and the bond that we share can never be broken. I wish them all the best moving forward. While I'll be focusing more on production music and visual art, I promise you haven't heard the last of me."
"In light of Derek's decision to step down as a member of the band, we'd like to send our love and thanks for everything he contributed," Skiba and Andriano wrote in a respective statement. "It's impossible to put into words all he's done, but we are endlessly proud of what we have accomplished with one another. Beyond the music, we appreciate all our memories — the tours, travelling the world, spending weeks making music in the studio…everything. We love you, Derek, and hope your next chapters will be filled with success and happiness!"
The band's longest-serving drummer, Grant made his first recorded appearance with Alkaline Trio in 2002 on a split EP with Hot Water Music, and his debut at album length came with 2003's Good Mourning. His playing can be heard on each of Alkaline Trio's subsequent albums, the most recent of which remains 2018's Is This Thing Cursed?
Find Grant's statement below.