Mark O'Connell, the drummer of emo rock band Taking Back Sunday, announced yesterday that he has officially left the band. He announced his decision on Instagram, and the full statement can be read below:
O'Connell joined Taking Back Sunday in 2001 for the Lullaby EP, as well as the 2002 release of the band's debut album, Tell All Your Friends. He replaced original drummer Steven DeJoseph and has been one of the longest-playing members on the band's lineup.
In his January 7 statement, O'Connell wrote that the past few years had been difficult, as he was attempting to focus on his family and his journey with sobriety, all while participating in the band. "Unfortunately, during this time," he wrote, "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."
Mark O'Connell then announced that he would continue releasing music as a solo artist, and he would be releasing more collaborative work with "old friends." He released his first single "Brain Dead" on December 31, 2024.
"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," O'Connell concluded. "I’m choosing to focus on the good as I move into this next chapter. Thank you again for everything. I’m proud of what we built together, and I’m even more excited about what lies ahead.”
The last Taking Back Sunday record was 2023's 152.
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