Timothy Very, longtime drummer for the indie rock band Manchester Orchestra, has died at the age of 42.
The band announced Very’s sudden passing in a heartfelt Instagram post, alongside a photo of the musician performing onstage.
The cause of death has not been disclosed.
‘The entire Manchester Orchestra family has been devastated by the sudden passing of our brother, Timothy Very,’ the band wrote.
‘The most beloved human being any of us were lucky enough to know in this life. We’ve all been dreading sharing this news as we are all still in absolute disbelief.’
‘Tim was instantly likable and interacted with everyone he met with kindness and warmth. His laugh was infectious and he immediately made people feel invited and encouraged. His humor and energy were the very foundation that held together the entire MO universe. Strangers quickly became friends and friends became family.’
‘He had an undeniable light that was only matched by his dedication and love for the craft that he was clearly put on earth to do. No words can ever do him justice. Please know, if you are someone who loved Tim, he loved you too,’ the band concluded.
Beyond the stage, Very was devoted to his family. The band’s message made clear that fatherhood was his greatest joy.
‘The only thing that Tim loved more than creating music was being with his family. You’d be pressed to find a more joyful dad. We love you Tim, thank you for loving us. You are a force of positivity that will be a constant presence in the rest of our days.’
Very joined Manchester Orchestra in 2011 after four previous drummers, but he was the group’s longest-serving drummer, having spent the past 15 years in the band.
He played on the group’s last three studio albums: 2014’s Cope, 2017’s A Black Mile to the Surface, and 2021’s The Million Masks of God.
Formed in Atlanta in 2004, Manchester Orchestra emerged during the mid-2000s indie boom but quickly carved out its own niche.
Fronted by singer-songwriter Andy Hull, the band built its reputation on towering, cathartic arrangements paired with introspective, often spiritually searching lyrics.
Their 2006 debut album, I’m Like a Virgin Losing a Child, helped grow their original fanbase, while 2009’s Mean Everything to Nothing sharpened their sound and thrust them into the mainstream.
Known for their intense, immersive live shows, Manchester Orchestra has cultivated a fiercely loyal fanbase who are now devastated by the news of Very’s passing.
The comments on the band’s announcement have been flooded with tributes, with fans calling the news ‘heartbreaking’ and reflecting on Very’s ‘everlasting impact.’
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