Dance Gavin Dance drummer Matt Mingus has been sent home, mid tour, to deal with his issues surrounding substance abuse. During a show in Detroit, MI at the Masonic Temple Theatre this past Saturday, September 25th, Mingus was not performing at an acceptable level causing vocalist Tilian Pearson to tell the crowd,
“This is un fucking believable guys, our drummer can’t play!”
Mingus was relieved of his drumming duties mid-show, where drum tech Dakota Sammons immediately took his spot. Soon after the show, the band issued the below statement regarding Mingus:
“Shortly after our set began in Detroit, it became apparent that Matt was unable to properly perform the show the way we intended for our audience. Collectively, on stage, the rest of the band decided it would be best to have his drum tech fill in immediately instead of shutting down the show. This was a decision made in the interest of the fans so that they could enjoy the show and we are grateful that Dakota (drum tech) was able to do a great job. Matt is OK, and this is not COVID related All shows are continuing forward and we will have a more detailed statement soon.”
Today, September 27th the band issued that more detailed statement, it reads:
“Following the events that occurred at our Detroit show on Saturday, we wanted to share some further info with our fans. Matt is unfortunately battling with substance use issues. Matt, along with the band and our team, has decided that the best course of action is for him to immediately go to an in-patient rehabilitation facility to allow him to recover. Matt is and has always been an integral part of Dance Gavin Dance. He is our brother and his health and well-being will always be our first priority.
Our drum tech, Dakota Sammons, will fill in, with Matt‘s blessing, for the rest of this tour. We can’t wait to have Matt back, fit and healthy, on the road with us once he’s made a full recovery.
As everyone knows, the pandemic has been exceptionally hard on everyone, but especially musicians and touring crews. Being back on the road and getting to share our music with our incredible fans once again after such a long period of emotional and financial uncertainty, has been such a gift. So many fans have reached out to tell us about the catharsis these Afterburner shoes have provided, following the incredibly trying 18 months we have all just endured.
We all need this. Dance Gavin Dance are no strangers to adversity, but our incredible and unique connection we share with our fans means that we always prevail. This will be no different. We appreciate your love and support so much and we know you’ll join us in sending Matt much love and wishes for a speedy recovery.
See you at the next show.
Will, Jon, Tilian, Tim and Andrew.”
Drum tech Dakota Sammons will continue to drum for the band for the remainder of the tour.
Recently Tillian Pearson previously missed several dates due to contracting Covid-19.
The Afterburner Tour with Polyphia, Veil Of Maya, Eidola and Wolf & Bear will continue as follows:
09/27 Norfolk, VA @ The NorVa
09/29 Silver Spring, MD @ The Fillmore
09/30 Boston, MA @ House Of Blues
10/01 Philadelphia, PA @ Franklin Music Hall
10/02 Philadelphia, PA @ Franklin Music Hall
10/03 New York, NY @ Hammerstein Ballroom
10/05 Lake Buena Vista, FL @ House Of Blues
10/06 St. Petersburg, FL @ Jannus Live
10/08 Nashville, TN @ Marathon Music Works
10/09 Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade
10/10 Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade
10/12 Dallas, TX @ Bomb Factory
10/13 Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live
10/14 Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live
10/15 San Antonio, TX @ Vibes Event Center
10/16 Oklahoma City, OK @ The Criterion
10/18 Albuquerque, NM @ El Rey Theater
10/19 Tempe, AZ @ The Marquee
10/20 Las Vegas, NV @ Brooklyn Bowl
[via theprp]
