In the last few weeks, 8 rock and metal bands have fired their drummers.
Mike Portnoy , the drummer who returned to Dream Theater in 2023 after 13 years away from the band, spoke about the matter, stating that no one is safe. " Ringo Starr 's son John Bonham 's son were fired, imagine the rest of us," he joked.
The website Loudwire has compiled a comprehensive list of bands that have recently lost their drummers.
Electric Callboy (David-Karl Friedrich)
Back in April, David-Karl Friedrich , drummer for Electric Callboy , announced his departure from the group after 13 years. Unlike the other separations we'll list, this one was simple and without drama. The band released a statement saying that Friedrich "decided he wants to do something new," and the musician's farewell, shared with fans, demonstrated great respect for his time with the band. Frank Zummo , from Sum 41 , is filling in for him during the scheduled shows.
Foo Fighters (Josh Freese)
Josh Freese, who had filled the spot left by Taylor Hawkins since 2023, was fired from the Foo Fighters on May 16th. The drummer revealed in a post that he received a call from the band earlier that week informing him of the decision to "go in a different direction." According to him, the band offered no explanation. Days later, Josh shared a humorous list of 10 possible reasons why he was fired.
The Who (Zak Starkey)
Zak Starkey , son of Ringo Starr, was fired twice. A member of The Who on tour for 29 years, he was fired on April 16th after reports of disagreements with singer Roger Daltrey . However, on April 19th, the band rehired Starkey, and guitarist and founding member Pete Townshend took "responsibility for part of the confusion," announcing Starkey's return on the group's official website and social media.
However, on May 18th, Pete Townshend made an announcement on social media stating that Starkey had been fired for real this time: "After many years of great drumming from Zak, it's time for a change. A touching moment. Zak has many new projects in hand and I wish him all the best." Shortly after, Starkey posted on his social media that The Who had instructed him to make a statement announcing he would be pursuing other projects. The drummer refused to make the statement that The Who's management wanted him to make.
Therefore, The Who shared a statement explaining the reason for Zak Starkey's dismissal. In a note posted on social media, the band stated that the best solution was to release Zak due to the band's upcoming retirement, "while Zak is 20 years younger and has a great future ahead of him."
Umphrey's McGee (Kris Myers)
On May 20th, Kris Myers , longtime drummer for Umphrey's McGee , parted ways with the band after 22 years on drums. This departure also happened quietly and by mutual agreement. The band shared photos of a celebration with the drummer before announcing Scotty Zwang and Duane Trucks as replacements for the remaining dates of the current tour. Kris Myers said in a social media post : “The decision wasn’t easy, but the biggest ones rarely are. We collectively felt it was time for me to dedicate myself to other elements of my musical creativity that were calling me.”
Aborted (Ken Bedene)
Another controversial departure was that of drummer Ken Bedene from Aborted after 15 years. The announcement was made abruptly and without many details. The band initially released a statement revealing Bedene's departure and that their European tour would continue with Kevin Paradis taking over on drums.
Shortly after, Bedene commented on the reason for his departure. In an Instagram post, he shared that there had been an online interaction with a young fan that he claimed was "consensual and reciprocal," and although she was of legal age in his state, he added, "I understand that this should never have happened.".
He added that while there is some “misinformation” and “false claims” circulating online, he only wanted to acknowledge his part and try to learn from it. He also said that he left the band to “protect the people and community I care about” and that he didn’t want his actions to impact the group.
In Flames (Tanner Wayne)
In Flames announced on May 27th the departure of drummer Tanner Wayne , who joined the band in 2018. The Swedish band issued a statement on social media stating that they will continue with all planned shows , but did not mention who the new drummer will be. The group recruited Jon Rice ( Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats, Scorpion Child , Behemoth ) to fill the dates of the upcoming tour. To date, Tanner Wayne has not issued any statement regarding the separation or dismissal.
Cynic (Matt Lynch)
Cynic also announced the end of their relationship with drummer Matt Lynch , who had been in the group since 2015. In a social media post, the band simply commented: “We are grateful for the time and music shared. We wish Matt all the best in his future endeavors.”
The announcement came shortly after the group performed at Maryland Deathfest on May 24th. The band performed with another member on drums – Michel Belanger , from Gorguts – which caused speculation among the audience. However, Matt Lynch made no statement, and Cynic gave no further details about his departure or replacement.
Paradise Lost (Guido Zima)
Another band that parted ways with their drummer was Paradise Lost . On May 29th, the group announced the departure of Guido Zima , who had joined the band in March 2023. The British band issued a statement on social media thanking the drummer: “We have made the difficult creative decision to part ways with our drummer, Guido Zima. We thank Guido for his contributions to the band and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”
Two days later, the gothic metal pioneers announced the return of Jeff Singer . The drummer played with the band between 2004 and 2008, recording the albums Paradise Lost (2005) and In Requiem (2007). In a statement on Instagram, Jeff commented: “When I received a call asking if I would play drums in Paradise Lost again, it was clear that it was the right time and that we could really make it happen. Nothing could make me prouder.”
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