Alkaline Trio drummer Derek Grant is leaving the band after 22 years behind the drum kit.
In an Instagram post, Grant wrote “The demands of being in a touring band have become increasingly difficult in recent years” and said it was “the best thing for me and my mental health”.
He says he’ll be “focusing more on production music and visual art” and wishes his bandmates “all the best moving forward”.
“In light of Derek’s decision to step down as a member of the band, we’d like to send our love and thanks for everything he contributed. It’s impossible to put into words all he’s done, but we are endlessly proud of what we have accomplished with one another.” Alkaline Trio wrote alongside Grant’s announcement, “Beyond the music, we appreciate all our memories – the tours, travelling the world, spending weeks making music in the studio…everything. We love you, Derek, and hope your next chapters will be filled with success and happiness.”
Grant first joined Alkaline Trio in 2001 and has played on nearly all of the band’s studio albums.