Beak> have announced that founding member Geoff Barrow will be exiting the band following their 2024 UK/EU tour and an as-yet-unannounced early 2025 US tour.
The experimental band, which Barrow founded in 2009 alongside Billy Fuller and Matt Williams (who was eventually replaced by Will Young), will go on an indefinite hiatus as they complete their final shows. “After nearly 16 years of bad language & random tempo decisions, Geoff is sadly leaving BEAK>. Our shows in the UK and Europe this year and the USA shows early next year will be his last ones with us,” reads the band’s official statement.
It continues: “When we first met for a jam at the Invada Christmas party in 2008 we had no idea it would result in a collection of albums, singles, EPs and soundtracks we’re all really proud of. In terms of future BEAK> activity, there’s life in the old dog yet, but we need time to mourn our Geoff. New music and activity will come along when the time is right. And for now, the 3 of us are going to rehearse for this upcoming tour and make these final set of shows with Geoff really memorable for us and our fans. Thanks to all our fans old and new for all your support over these last 16 years. BEAK> xxx”
Meanwhile, Geoff Barrow — also a founding member of Portishead — shared his own departure statement. “About 16 years ago, 3 like-minded musical strangers got together in a studio to make some music and didn’t care if anyone heard it or not. That session turned into the first BEAK> album. 16 years on, after 4 albums and hundreds of shows around the world, it has ended up being the most joyful musical journey I’ve ever experienced. Unfortunately, due to a dodgy ankle and other work I need to do before I get too old, it’s time for me to move on from being the mumbling drummer.”
He went on, writing, “In life, you know when it’s time to quit touring and now’s that time for me. Thanks to everyone that has tolerated me over the last 16 years of BEAK> records and gigs — especially Billy, Will & Matt: your musicianship and friendship has truly enriched my life far more than you will ever know. I wish BEAK> all the best. I know there will be some absolute killer records to come in the future. I’m looking forward to my new role as BEAK>’s idiotic & musically inept A&R person at INVADA.”
Beak>’s final tour with Geoff Barrow begins on October 30th in Cardiff and runs through Europe and the UK until December 14th; an early 2025 North American leg is set to be announced in the coming weeks. Get tickets to see their international shows here.
Beak>’s fourth album >>>> was released by surprise back in May.
Beak> 2024 Tour Dates:
10/30 — Cardiff, UK @ Clwb Ifor Bach
11/01 — London, UK @ The O2 Forum Kentish Town
11/02 — Brighton, UK @ Concorde 2
11/06 — Manchester, UK @ New Century Hall
11/07 — Glasgow, UK @ Saint Luke’s
11/08 — Leeds, UK @ Brudenell Social Club
11/11 — Lorient, FR @ L’Hydrophone
11/13 — Paris, FR @ Élysée Montmartre
11/15 — Lyon, FR @ L’Epicerie Moderne
11/16 — Nantes, FR @ Le Lieu Unique
11/17 — Tourcoing, FR @ Le Grand Mix
11/19 — Brussels, BE @ Orangerie, Botanique
11/20 — Amsterdam, NL @ Melkweg – Oude Zaal
11/21 — Nijmegen, NL @ Doornroosje
11/23 — Winterthur, CH @ Salzhaus
11/25 — Munich, DE @ Hansa 39
11/27 — Berlin, DE @ Gretchen
11/29 — Copenhagen, DK @ Pumpehuset
12/12 — Dublin, IE @ The Button Factory
12/14 — Bristol, UK @ SWX