Manchester Orchestra Mourns the Loss of Longtime Drummer Tim Very
The indie rock community is grieving the loss of Timothy Very, the powerhouse drummer for Manchester Orchestra. Bandmates Andy Hull, Robert McDowell, and Andy Prince confirmed the tragic news of his passing on Saturday, February 14. While the group shared their collective heartbreak, a specific cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
Very became an integral part of the Manchester Orchestra family in 2010, stepping in following the departure of original drummer Jeremiah Edmond. He made his studio debut on the band’s landmark third album, Simple Math (2011). The record was a commercial and critical success, debuting within the top 10 of Billboard’s Top Rock Albums and Top Alternative Albums charts, and marked the beginning of Very’s decade-plus tenure as the band’s rhythmic backbone.
In a deeply moving statement shared via Instagram, the band described Very as more than just a collaborator. “The entire Manchester Orchestra family has been devastated by the sudden passing of our brother,” they wrote. “He was the most beloved human being any of us were lucky enough to know. His humor and energy were the very foundation that held together the entire MO universe.”
The tribute highlighted Very’s infectious personality, noting that his warmth turned strangers into friends and friends into family. Beyond his professional dedication, the band emphasized his role as a devoted parent, stating, “You’d be pressed to find a more joyful dad.”
Throughout his career, Very contributed to the band’s most celebrated works, including Cope and its acoustic counterpart Hope (2014), the cinematic A Black Mile to the Surface (2017), and 2021’s The Million Masks of God. His final major contribution with the group was the 2023 EP, The Valley of Vision.
Very often spoke about his philosophy as a “songwriter’s drummer.” In a 2022 podcast appearance, he explained that his goal was always to enhance the emotional core of a track rather than simply showcasing technical skill. “I’d like to think I’m bringing something to the table that isn’t just drums and grooves… but understanding what a song should have to hopefully enhance it,” he remarked.
Drawing heavy inspiration from Dave Grohl’s work with Nirvana, Very began his musical journey as a teenager. He often encouraged aspiring artists to remain steadfast in their pursuits. “If you actually believe in yourself and are willing to just bite down on the dream… you can make it happen,” he shared in a recent clip. “It just won’t happen the way you thought it would.”
Tim Very’s legacy remains etched in the sprawling discography of Manchester Orchestra and the hearts of the fans who witnessed his vibrant spirit on stage.
