Taking Back Sunday Drummer Mark O'Connell Has Announced His Departure
“My departure wasn't an easy decision, and it wasn't entirely my own,” Mark O’Connell told fans.
Taking Back Sunday (Credit: DJay Brawner)
After almost a quarter of a century years behind the kit of Taking Back Sunday, longtime drummer Mark O’Connell has announced his departure from the group.
O’Connell announced his decision on social media on Instagram yesterday, noting that “after nearly 25 years as the drummer of Taking Back Sunday, I want to confirm that I am no longer with the band.”
“It’s taken me some time to address this,” he added. “Thank you for your patience as I’ve reflected on how to share my story.”
In his lengthy post, O’Connell thanked his fans for being the “heartbeat of TBS” and for being a huge part of his life for close to 25 years. “I owe it all to you,” he wrote.
“My departure wasn't an easy decision, and it wasn't entirely my own,” he continued. “Over the past few years, l've focused on my family and personal growth, including committing to my sobriety.
“Unfortunately, during this time, I didn't always feel the support I needed from those I thought of as brothers, and creative differences made it hard to move forward together.”
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Though he didn’t offer any specifics in regard to the nature of the internal politics that contributed to his decision, O’Connell explained that he would be would be releasing new music – “both as a solo artist and with some old friends” – in the near future.
“I've poured my heart into this project, and I can't wait to share it with you,” he wrote. “This is a new chapter for me-one of passion, creativity, and hope. I hope you'll join me on this journey as we continue to be a part of each other's stories.
“That said, I'm grateful for the incredible memories with each of my bandmates-and all of you, as well as all the opportunities along the way. I'm choosing to focus on the good as l move into this next chapter.”
O'Connell joined Taking Back Sunday in 2001, replacing founding percussionist Steven DeJoseph, who left due to an inability to tour. DeJoseph's exit coincided with the departure of founding member Jesse Lacey, who would go on to form Brand New the following year.
O'Connell's entry into the band also coincided with that of vocalist Adam Lazzarra and bassist Shaun Cooper. Founding guitarist John Nolan (who left the band between 2003 and 2010) remains the only original member of the group.
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