Modest Mouse Drummer Jeremiah Green Dead at 45

The co-founding member was recently diagnosed with cancer

Photo: James Joiner

BY Megan LaPierrePublished Jan 1, 2023

Modest Mouse co-founding member Jeremiah Green has died. He was 45.

The band shared the news of the drummer's passing via Instagram last night (December 31), following bandleader Isaac Brock's confirmation of Green's stage 4 cancer diagnosis just a few days ago.

"I don't know a way to ease into this: Today we lost our dear friend Jeremiah," they wrote. "He laid down to rest and simply faded out. I'd like to say a bunch of pretty words right now, but it just isn't the time. These will come later, and from many people."

Modest Mouse added, "Please appreciate all the love you give, get, have given, and will get. Above all, Jeremiah was about love. We love you."
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Modest Mouse (@modestmouse)

 
Green's mother, Carol Namatame, also shared the news of his death in a Facebook post, writing:

It is with a very heavy heart that the Green and Namatame families announce the passing of their husband, father, son and brother, Jeremiah Green. Jeremiah, drummer and founding member of the Issaquah-based band Modest Mouse, lost his courageous battle with cancer on December 31. He went peacefully in his sleep. Jeremiah was a light to so many. At this time the family is requesting privacy. More information will be forthcoming including a Celebration of Life for friends and fans in the coming months. Jeremiah's loved ones would like to thank everyone for their continued well wishes and support.

In 1992, Green co-founded the long-serving indie rock outfit alongside Brock and former bassist Eric Judy in Issaquah, WA. They released their debut album, This Is a Long Drive for Someone with Nothing to Think About, in 1996.

Since then, the Modest Mouse lineup has gone through a revolving door of members, but remained anchored by Brock and Green. The latter was only inactive between 2003 and 2004, not appearing on the band's fourth studio record Good News for People Who Love Bad News, which was a mainstream success, producing the hits "Float On" and "Ocean Breathes Salty."

The band released their most recent album, The Golden Casket, in 2021, ahead of embarking on a 25th anniversary tour for The Lonesome Crowded West. Green reportedly had to take leave from the tail end of the North American trek to undergo chemotherapy, but was present for the tour's lone Canadian stop at Vancouver's Commodore Ballroom at the end of November.

Beyond Modest Mouse, Green played in Satisfact and Red Stars Theory in the '90s, as well as performing with Vells and Psychic Emperor.

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