Goose Parts Ways with Drummer Jeff Arevalo Amidst Allegations of Misconduct
The popular rock band Goose is navigating a significant shift in its lineup, announcing the departure of drummer Jeff Arevalo in a recent statement that hints at a troubled situation within the group. Posted on their official Instagram account, the band’s announcement revealed that Arevalo’s exit stems from behavior inconsistent with the band’s core values, marking a somber moment for the group and its dedicated fanbase.
The statement released by the band, a collective known for its fusion of psychedelic rock and funk influences, carefully alluded to the reasons behind Arevalo’s departure. "We have been made aware of behavior in Jeff’s personal life that does not align with the band’s core values," the statement read. "As a result, Jeff will no longer be a part of the Goose organization." The band, previously a quintet, will now continue as a foursome, leaving some fans to speculate about the future sound and dynamic of their performances.
The news comes as a surprise to many, especially considering Arevalo’s relatively recent entry into the band in 2020. His arrival coincided with a period of significant growth and exposure for Goose, as they transitioned into playing larger venues and major festivals following the pandemic. The timing of his departure adds another layer of complexity to the situation, raising questions about the circumstances that led to this abrupt change.
The band acknowledged the unfortunate and unexpected nature of this development in their statement. "This is an incredibly unfortunate, unexpected situation, and we did not anticipate having to make another painful change to the band," they wrote, acknowledging the emotional toll that such shakeups can take on a musical group.
Adding to the complexity, Arevalo had previously announced a temporary hiatus from the band at the beginning of the year. In a statement released in February, he cited a need to focus on his own well-being, implying that his absence would be temporary. However, the recent announcement clarifies that his departure is permanent, suggesting that the issues at hand extend beyond personal matters.
Goose’s statement emphasized their commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment within their community. "It is clear that this is the only way forward as we remain committed to upholding the values that define our community, particularly when it comes to respecting others and creating a safe environment," the statement declared. This sentiment underscores the seriousness of the alleged behavior that prompted Arevalo’s removal. While the specific details of the alleged misconduct remain undisclosed, the band’s focus on respect and safety suggests that the situation involved actions that were deemed unacceptable by the group.
The current lineup of Goose consists of Rick Mitarotonda, Trevor Weekz, Peter Anspach, and Cotter Ellis. Only Weekz and Mitarotonda remain as founding members, highlighting the evolving nature of the band since its inception in 2014. The band’s history has seen a number of personnel changes, making them no stranger to navigating shifts in dynamics and musical direction. Each member brings their own unique skills and perspectives to the mix, and the band will undoubtedly work to integrate Ellis more fully into the overall sound.
Despite the ongoing situation, Goose is moving forward with their scheduled tour, set to begin in April. The band addressed the challenges they faced during their recent tour, which took place throughout 2024. "This past tour was an unexpected challenge to navigate, but through it all, the four of us forged a deeper connection on and off stage," the statement revealed. This acknowledgment of the difficulties encountered on the road suggests that the issues surrounding Arevalo may have been present for some time, leading to internal tensions within the group.
Looking ahead, the band expressed optimism about the future and their ability to grow and evolve as a unit. "We’re feeling inspired to continue growing as a unit as we move into this next chapter, and are deeply grateful for everyone with us on this journey," they wrote. This positive outlook reflects the band’s determination to overcome this obstacle and continue creating music for their loyal fanbase.
Adding to the excitement, Goose is preparing to release their fourth studio album, "Everything Must Go," in April. The album has been highly anticipated by fans, and the news of Arevalo’s departure raises questions about his involvement in the project. While it remains unclear whether he played on the entirety of the album, he is credited on the first two singles, "Give It Time" and "Lead Up," suggesting that he contributed to at least some of the tracks. Fans will be listening closely to the album to discern the extent of his contributions and how his absence may impact the overall sound.
The sudden departure of Jeff Arevalo undoubtedly presents Goose with a significant challenge. The band now faces the task of moving forward as a foursome, integrating Ellis into the lineup, and navigating the aftermath of this unexpected shakeup. The situation also highlights the complexities of maintaining a cohesive and respectful environment within a musical group, especially as they navigate the pressures of touring, recording, and public scrutiny. Whether Goose can successfully adapt to this new chapter, only time will tell. The band’s resilience and commitment to their values, however, suggests that they are determined to overcome this obstacle and continue on their musical journey.
