On @robertnoise ‘s Instagram Derek is not seen rehearsing with the band.
Derek has also not promoted the album at all on his social media, unlike Dan and Matt.
I know there are new promo pictures with him included, but who knows when they were taken since this whole album was made in silence?
Anyone heard if he will be on the upcoming tour or not?
Posted Jul 21, 2018, 7:05 PM UTC
Matt said ages ago that of Derek ever quit it would be the end of the band.
We’re not talking about him quitting, we’re talking about him playing on this tour.
This from May might have some relevance, if we are going to make inferential leaps https://www.instagram.com/p/Bjdxc0QB93l/?hl=en&taken-by=derekdontgram
But, a more reasonable explanation (given they all live in really distant cities) is that he didn't make it to rehearsal yet (or was sick; playing photographer; busy with other commitments [he has been really active with Thoughts of Ionesco, Gyga, solo stuff, and possibly The Suicide Machines, as of late...].
This would make more sense if I could ID the drummer in the RobertNoise post; but he doesn't look familiar.
It’s Jarrod Alexander
Well there you go. Might be a fill-in. Jarrod played on Kutz right? Would be an easy temp if Derek is MIA for the tour.
I think Derek mentioned having a pretty shit back(?) previously too; so that's a possible explanation.
Guess we'll find out real soon.
My bet is he just hasn’t made it to rehearsal yet. They’re still 12 days out from tour (I was even surprised they’ve started practicing this early), so I bet he’s joining them shortly.
I wouldn’t worry too much until a couple days before tour. I hope his mental health has been okay though. As much as I’d miss him, I don’t want his mental health suffering at the expense of the tour.
Ditto. I (and probably most of us) tend to forget all three of them have had their share of drug/alcohol/mental health/personal problems over the years. I'm sure a lot of those experiences impact the style and type of music they make (and we all love and connect with); but I'd rather them be happy and healthy at the expense of the bands existence, rather than their own well-being.
I'm sure he'll be there nothing to worry about.
Can't imagine them going without Derek after the long break
I was at the Metro Show this past weekend and it was still Jarrod playing. Jarrod 's really good but there's nothing like watching Derek play live, playing one handed and scratching his nose while keeping the beat going. Hope he comes back real soon.
He must be having a really tough time to still be out... wasn’t an issue with being bipolar that has held him out?
I cannot speak for him, whether or not he is or had a rough time. From what I understand he is in a side band and just wrapped up recording for ALK3 new record. Just probably wanted some time off. He has promoted stuff on social media about mental health. He's known to be reclusive in general, but then again so am I except no ones looking for me :P
I think he’s just not super active on social media.
Most of his online presence is his YouTube page posting Trio drum videos.