Derek Grant Is Out Of Alkaline Trio After 22 Years

Alkaline Trio drummer Derek Grant has left the band after 22 years, he announced on social media yesterday (8 June).

"It is with mixed emotions that I've decided to step down as drummer for Alkaline Trio,” Grant revealed in a statement. 

Citing the ongoing difficulty of being in a regularly touring band, he wrote, “The demands of being in a touring band have become increasingly difficult in recent years, and while this was a difficult decision to make, it's the best thing for me and my mental health.”

Grant added, "I want to thank everyone who's supported the band. Alkaline Trio has the best fans in the world — many of whom I've gotten to know over the years. I'll miss seeing you all.

“I also want to thank Blair Dickerson for being a true friend and a great manager."

He continued, "Most of all, I want to thank Matt [Skiba] and Dan [Andriano] for 22 amazing years I got to travel the world playing music with two of my best friends, and the bond that we share can never be broken.

“I wish them all the best moving forward. While I'll be focusing more on production music and visual art, I promise you haven't heard the last of me."

Alkaline Trio also issued their own statement that showed support for their longtime bandmate. “In light of Derek’s decision to step down as a member of the band, we’d like to send our love and thanks for everything he contributed,” the band wrote on Instagram.

“It’s impossible to put into words all he’s done, but we are endlessly proud of what we have accomplished with one another.

“Beyond the music, we appreciate all our memories – the tours, travelling the world, spending weeks making music in the studio…everything.

“We love you, Derek, and hope your next chapters will be filled with success and happiness.”

Before his time in Alkaline Trio, Grant played in the bands The Suicide Machines, Gyga and Thoughts Of Ionesco, Loudwire reports. He also makes music under his own name.

Grant has drummed on numerous Alkaline Trio records, notably Good Mourning (2003) and Agony and Irony (2008).