Mere hours after CoSign alums Geese announced the departure of guitarist Foster Hudson, the similarly-named but different band Goose have coincidentally announced the departure of founding drummer Ben Atkind.
“Over the last few months, we’ve had some really difficult internal conversations that have unfortunately resulted in Ben’s departure,” the remaining Goose members wrote in a statement on social media Friday (December 22nd), citing “fundamental personal and creative differences.”
The statement continues: “We all love Ben very much and want nothing but the best for him. He is a world class drummer, and we can’t wait to watch and support his future endeavors… While this has been a difficult and painful time, we are also incredibly excited for the next chapter of this band. We will be heading into the new year with a renewed sense of creative fire that will allow us to dive deeper into the music and continue bringing you the Goose experience you know and love.”
Atkind wrote in his own statement: “Long-term creative camaraderie demands personal evolution. It demands consistent communication, mutual empathy, and a willingness to compromise. Even though this is something we tried, these elements fell out of sync, which is where we find ourselves today. I will be forever grateful for my time with my bandmates and wish them the best as we prepare to go our separate ways.”
Goose will continue as a four-piece of Jeff Arevalo, Peter Anspach, Rick Mitarotonda, and Trevor Weekz, the latter two of whom co-founded the band with Atkind in 2014. See both statements below.
Earlier this year, Goose shared the surprise EP Autumn Crossing. Their last LP was 2022’s Dripfield.
— Goose (@goosetheband) December 22, 2023
From Ben pic.twitter.com/c6ZNeD7UkT
— Goose the Band History/Trivia (@GooseBandTrivia) December 22, 2023