Manchester Orchestra Drummer Tim Very Dies at 42
Tim Very, the drummer for the Atlanta-based indie rock band Manchester Orchestra, has died, the group announced on Saturday, February 14, 2026. He was 42 years ancient. No cause of death has been revealed.
A Beloved Musician and Friend
The band shared the news in a heartfelt statement posted to social media, describing Very as “the most beloved human being any of us were lucky enough to know in this life.” They expressed their disbelief at his sudden passing, noting his infectious laugh, kindness and the warmth he brought to everyone he met. “His humor and energy were the very foundation that held together the entire MO universe,” the statement read. Atlanta News First reported on the band’s announcement.
Musical Journey and Contributions
Very joined Manchester Orchestra in 2011, replacing previous drummers Jeremiah Edmond, Benjamin Homola, and Len Clark. National Today noted he was the band’s longest-serving drummer. He contributed to multiple studio albums, including 2014’s Cope, 2017’s A Black Mile to the Surface, and 2021’s The Million Masks of God, as well as their 2023 EP, The Valley of Vision.
In a 2022 interview with the Drummers On Drumming podcast, Very described himself as a “songwriter’s drummer,” emphasizing his desire to enhance songs with his musical contributions.
Beyond Manchester Orchestra
Beyond his operate with Manchester Orchestra, Very pursued various creative projects. He was an accomplished session musician and producer, contributing to album tracks by artists such as Foxing, Chris Staples, and Tom Morello. He also co-founded the Athens/Atlanta-based film production company, Super Canoe, in 2020 and launched an interview podcast series in 2019. FOX 5 Atlanta highlighted these additional endeavors.
Final Performance and Upcoming Release
Very’s final performance was at Manchester Orchestra’s 15th annual “The Stuffing” Thanksgiving benefit concert last fall, where the band performed A Black Mile to the Surface in its entirety. The band recently announced a modern live LP, Union Chapel (London, England), set to be released on March 20 via Loma Vista. People Magazine also reported on this upcoming release.
The band’s statement concluded with a message of love and gratitude, stating, “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.”