Goose Parts Ways With Founding Drummer Ben Atkind

The Goose lineup will look a little different going forward: In a pair of statements shared on Friday, the CT-native band and its founding drummer, Ben Atkind, revealed that they are parting ways.

According to a statement by Goose members Rick Mitarotonda, Peter Anspach, Trevor Weekz, and Jeff Arevalo, “Over the last few months, we’ve had some really difficult internal conversations that have unfortunately resulted in Ben’s departure. As everyone knows, with any type of relationship, sometimes growing in different directions is beyond our control. After a great deal of time and effort working to bridge fundamental personal and creative differences, we’ve come to a place where we feel our current path to be unsustainable long-term.”

As Atkind notes in his personal 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.”

Rick, Peter, Trevor, and Jeff’s statement continues, “Looking at the larger scope of our lives, we feel in our hearts that making this change is ultimately in the best interest of everyone’s well-being. Change is often very painful and scary, but an unavoidable part of life. This band and everyone involved in it means the world to us, and there is no aspect of this decision we’ve taken lightly. 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.”

“We ask for your understanding and faith that these types of situations are often far more complicated than what meets the eye, and that this decision is a difficult one for all of us,” the remaining four members add. “It is not the result of fighting, drama or malicious intent on any end, but merely recognizing that, over time, it’s just not the right fit anymore. All we can do is continue to move forward towards what we feel is best for everyone’s personal and creative growth, health, and happiness.”

“While this has been a difficult and painful time,” they conclude, “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. We can’t thank you enough for your continuous support and understanding through this transition.”

Of note, neither statement indicates how the band plans to approach the newly vacated Goose drummer position.

Ben Atkind served as the drummer in Goose from the band’s inception through its sold-out, two-night Goosemas X celebration at Hampton Coliseum earlier this month. Beyond his work with Goose, Atkind has recently served as one of several rotating substitute drummers in Umphrey’s McGee while Kris Myers recovers from a rotator cuff surgery. He is due to play with Umphrey’s on December 30th and 31st at The Riviera Theatre during the band’s 2023 New Year’s run. Atkind is also a member of the band ElephantProof.

Goose is currently in the midst of an extended break in its typically busy touring schedule. The only confirmed dates on the group’s 2024 itinerary so far are headlining appearances at Summer Camp Music Festival‘s new Solshine Reverie event in Chillicothe, IL (5/24–5/26) and Northlands Music & Arts Festival in Swanzey, NH (6/14–6/15).

For more details, head here.

Click below to read the full statement from Ben Atkind.

Statement from Ben Atkind

To the Fans, Friends, and Family of Goose

After nearly a decade on the road, hundreds of performances, several albums and countless memories, it is with both a heavy heart and a deep sense of gratitude that I send this message.

From early shows at Jimmy’s Seaside and O’Neill’s to sold-out concerts at Red Rocks and Hampton Coliseum to unforgettable performances on national TV, the Goose journey has been nothing short of remarkable. We’ve had the opportunity to share the stage with personal heroes and legends who are forever stitched into the fabric of modern music. Conceiving a dream isn’t easy, and I realize how lucky I am to have been a part of it—from the very beginning until where Goose is now.

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.

To our fans: my journey thus far would not have been possible without your steadfast encouragement, electrifying enthusiasm, and unwavering loyalty. You’ve truly embraced our music, celebrated our milestones, and always made me feel at home. Your continued support means the world to me and for this, I cannot thank you enough.

To the touring crew: your tireless work behind the scenes has made each performance magical. Your commitment and hard work have never gone unnoticed. You are the unsung heroes of this journey, and I am deeply thankful for each one of you. I look forward to exploring new creative avenues and continuing my musical journey—with all of you and in ways that feel authentic to me.

With love, profound gratitude for the past, and optimism for the future,

Ben Atkind

View Ben Atkind Statement

Click below to read the full statement from Rick Mitarotonda, Peter Anspach, Trevor Weekz, and Jeff Arevalo.

Statement from Rick Mitarotonda, Peter Anspach, Trevor Weekz, and Jeff Arevalo

To our Goose Family,

There has been a lot going on these days, and we’d like to take a moment to address a change happening within the band.

Over the last few months, we’ve had some really difficult internal conversations that have unfortunately resulted in Ben’s departure.

As everyone knows, with any type of relationship, sometimes growing in different directions is beyond our control. After a great deal of time and effort working to bridge fundamental personal and creative differences, we’ve come to a place where we feel our current path to be unsustainable long-term.

Looking at the larger scope of our lives, we feel in our hearts that making this change is ultimately in the best interest of everyone’s well-being. Change is often very painful and scary, but an unavoidable part of life. This band and everyone involved in it means the world to us, and there is no aspect of this decision we’ve taken lightly. 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.

We ask for your understanding and faith that these types of situations are often far more complicated than what meets the eye, and that this decision is a difficult one for all of us. It is not the result of fighting, drama or malicious intent on any end, but merely recognizing that, over time, it’s just not the right fit anymore. All we can do is continue to move forward towards what we feel is best for everyone’s personal and creative growth, health, and happiness.

We are endlessly grateful for the ride we have had so far. Every hurdle along the way has offered an opportunity to learn more about how to be a band and grow tighter as a family. Sharing our music with a community that we connect with so deeply has brought us a humbling amount of joy, and we wouldn’t trade that for anything.

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. We can’t thank you enough for your continuous support and understanding through this transition.

With Love,
Rick, Peter, Trevor, and Jeff

View Rick Mitarotonda, Peter Anspach, Trevor Weekz, and Jeff Arevalo Statement