Mark O’Connell, the long-time drummer for Taking Back Sunday, has made a significant announcement regarding his departure from the band after an impressive 24-year journey. His statement clarifies that he is “no longer with the band,” marking the end of an era for both him and the fans who have supported him throughout this time. Fans had previously noted his absence during last year’s tour, where drummer Mitch Register had taken over his role. O’Connell’s recent revelations shed light on the reasons behind this change in the lineup, indicating that the decision to part ways was not entirely his own.

In his heartfelt message, O’Connell expressed that the past few years have been a period of intense focus on his family and personal development, particularly in terms of his commitment to sobriety. He candidly reflected on feeling a lack of support from those he considered brothers, which, coupled with creative differences, made it increasingly difficult for the band to progress together. This transparency highlights the complexities of life as a musician and the personal sacrifices that often accompany a career in the spotlight.

On New Year’s Eve, O’Connell shared a fresh solo single titled “Brain Dead,” which opens with the striking lyric, “Sober stimulation is so overwhelming / Crawled out from a bottle / Out a coma into hell, yeah.” This release signifies not only a new musical direction for him but also serves as an emotional outlet, reflecting his personal journey and the challenges he has faced. The song encapsulates the raw emotions and experiences that have shaped him over the years, resonating deeply with listeners.

Shifting his focus away from the circumstances surrounding his exit, O’Connell is enthusiastic about the new music he is creating. He is eager to explore his artistry both as a solo performer and in collaboration with old friends. This pivot to new projects signifies a rejuvenation of his creative spirit and a desire to connect with his audience in fresh ways. He has recently begun to share snippets of his upcoming music on social media, reigniting excitement among fans who have been eagerly awaiting his next steps.

Last year marked a significant change for O’Connell, as he re-engaged with his followers after a lengthy absence on Instagram. He began posting clips of his new music endeavors. Over the years, he has been an integral part of every Taking Back Sunday release, starting from the 2001 EP Lullaby and extending through to the band’s latest album, 2023’s 152. His extensive contributions have played a crucial role in shaping the band’s signature sound and identity within the emo and rock genres.

Interestingly, some of the recent song snippets shared by O’Connell appear to carry pointed messages aimed at Taking Back Sunday’s frontman, Adam Lazarra, and the remaining band members. One of the tracks is titled “Follow the Money,” which adds a layer of intrigue and speculation regarding the dynamics within the band. In his social media teasers, O’Connell has tagged the band and Lazarra, hinting at a candid exploration of their past and current relationships through his music.

O’Connell’s complete statement is shared below, along with captivating teaser videos of his upcoming songs. His heartfelt words convey a deep appreciation for the fans, acknowledging their unwavering support throughout his career.

After nearly 25 years as the drummer of Taking Back Sunday, I want to confirm that I am no longer with the band. It’s taken me some time to address this. Thank you for your patience as I’ve reflected on how to share my story.

First, I want to thank the fans — your love and support have meant everything to me. You’ve been the heartbeat of TBS, and a huge part of my life for nearly a quarter of a century.

I owe it all to you.

My departure wasn’t an easy decision, and it wasn’t entirely my own. Over the past few years, I’ve focused on my family and personal growth, including committing to my sobriety. Unfortunately, during this time, 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.

Speaking of, I’m excited to share that I’ll be releasing new music soon — both as a solo artist and with some old friends. I’ve poured my heart into this project, and I can’t wait to share it with you. This is a new chapter for me — one of passion, creativity, and hope. I hope you’ll join me on this journey as we continue to be a part of each other’s stories.

That said, 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. 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.

With love and gratitude,

Mark O’Connell

Listen to Mark O’Connell’s New Single “Brain Dead”