Popular rock band loses drummer of 25 years over lack of support as he got sober

After nearly 25 years with the band, drummer Mark O. Connell has announced his departure from Taking Back Sunday.

O Connell thanked supporters on his Instagram page after making the announcement. The drummer then talked briefly about the specifics of his abrupt departure. He mentioned certain life adjustments he had made and the subsequent lack of support from other members.

O Connell stated, “It wasn’t an easy decision, and it wasn’t entirely my own.” I’ve dedicated the last few years to my family and personal development, which includes being sober. Sadly, I didn’t always feel like I had the support I needed from the people I considered brothers during this time, and it was challenging to move forward with them because of artistic differences.

Following the retirement of Steven DeJoseph, the original drummer for Taking Back Sunday, O Connell joined the group in 2001. All of the band’s albums, from 2001’s Lullaby EP to 2023’s 152, feature his recordings. Taking Back Sunday’s other members have not yet responded to the departure.

Mark O’Connell (@markoconnelltbs) shared this post.