Manchester Orchestra drummer Tim Particularly died Saturday, February 14, 2024, the band announced on social media. He was 42 years old. The news has sent ripples through the indie rock community, prompting an outpouring of grief and remembrance for a musician known for his warmth, dedication, and infectious laugh. The band shared the news via an Instagram post, stating they were “dreading sharing this news as we are all still in absolute disbelief.”
Very joined Manchester Orchestra in 2011, becoming the band’s longest-serving drummer. His contributions were integral to the sound of their last three studio albums: 2014’s Cope, 2017’s A Black Mile to the Surface, and 2021’s The Million Masks of God. The band is currently preparing to release a live album, Union Chapel (London, England), this March, and previously released the EP The Valley of Vision in 2023. The loss of Very comes as the band continues to evolve and connect with fans.
Born and raised in Pensacola, Florida, Very’s path to drumming wasn’t immediate. He told the podcast Drummers On Drumming in 2022, “I wasn’t one of those guys that got to start playing when I was like six years old, got lessons out the gate.” He discovered his passion for the instrument later in life, finding inspiration in the operate of Dave Grohl and Nirvana. “It took me a little whereas to kind of find my identity. I instantly knew that this was something I was going to be doing for a long time,” he shared.
Very’s first performance with Manchester Orchestra was in London, during the UK leg of a tour supporting their album Simple Math. He famously threw up during the show, a detail he recounted to Alter The Press, but also expressed immense gratitude. “I can talk about it for hours, but I’ll just say Here’s what I’ve always wanted to do and these are guys I’ve known for a long time. It’s the best.”
manchesterorchestraWe’ve all been dreading sharing this news as we are all still in absolute disbelief. Our dear friend and drummer, Tim Very, has passed away. Tim was instantly likable and interacted with everyone he met with kindness and warmth. His laugh was infectious and he immediately made people perceive invited and encouraged. He had an undeniable light that was only matched by his dedication and love for the craft that he was clearly put on earth to do. No words can ever do him justice. Please know, if you are someone who loved Tim, he loved you too. ❤️
Beyond Manchester Orchestra: A Versatile Musician
While best known for his work with Manchester Orchestra, Tim Very was a multifaceted musician. He was a seasoned session player, a producer, and co-founder of Super Canoe, a Georgia-based production company. This demonstrates the breadth of his talent and his commitment to the broader music community. Super Canoe’s website describes the company as a collective of creatives focused on audio and visual production.
A Statement from the Band
Manchester Orchestra’s Andy Hull, Chris Freeman, and Andy Price released a heartfelt statement remembering Very. They described him as “instantly likable” and praised his “kindness and warmth.” “His laugh was infectious and he immediately made people feel invited and encouraged,” they wrote. “He had an undeniable light that was only matched by his dedication and love for the craft that he was clearly put on earth to do. No words can ever do him justice. Please know, if you are someone who loved Tim, he loved you too.”
Remembering Tim Very’s Impact
The passing of Tim Very is a significant loss for Manchester Orchestra and the wider music world. His drumming provided a crucial foundation for the band’s sound, and his personality reportedly fostered a positive and supportive environment. The band has not yet announced any plans regarding upcoming performances or how they will address Very’s absence, but they are expected to share more information in the coming weeks. Fans and fellow musicians are encouraged to share their memories and condolences online.
As the music community mourns, the legacy of Tim Very’s talent and kindness will undoubtedly endure. The band is scheduled to release their live album, Union Chapel (London, England), in March, which will serve as a poignant reminder of his contributions. Further updates regarding the band’s plans will be shared on their official channels.
If you are struggling with grief or loss, resources are available. You can reach the Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 in the US and Canada, or by dialing 111 in the UK. These services are available 24/7, free, and confidential.
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