Tim Very, Manchester Orchestra Drummer, Dead at 42

Tim Very, longtime drummer for the Atlanta indie rock band Manchester Orchestra, has died at the age of 42.

The band announced Very’s death Saturday on social media; no date or cause of death were revealed, but the group said it was a “sudden passing.”

“The entire Manchester Orchestra family has been devastated by the sudden passing of our brother, Timothy Very. The most beloved human being any of us were lucky enough to know in this life. We’ve all been dreading sharing this news as we are all still in absolute disbelief,” the band wrote.

“Tim was instantly likable and interacted with everyone he met with kindness and warmth. His laugh was infectious and he immediately made people feel invited and encouraged. His humor and energy were the very foundation that held together the entire MO universe. Strangers quickly became friends and friends became family.”

Although not Manchester Orchestra’s founding drummer — four drummers preceded Very from the band’s formation in 2004 to when he joined in 2011 — Very was the group’s longest-serving drummer, having spent the past 15 years in the band.

After joining the band in 2011, Very played on the group’s 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 last released their The Valley of Vision EP in 2023.

“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,” the band continued Saturday.

“The only thing that Tim loved more than creating music was being with his family. You’d be pressed to find a more joyful dad. We love you Tim, thank you for loving us. You are a force  of positivity that will be a constant presence in the rest of our days.”

From Rolling Stone US.