Modest Mouse Announces Lineup Change Ahead of North American Tour
Modest Mouse recently made a change to its touring lineup by removing guitarist Simon O'Connor following online allegations against him. The band announced this update on Instagram, revealing that Seth Jabour of Les Savy Fav will be taking over on guitar for the upcoming tour. The reason for O'Connor's departure was not specified, and it remains unclear if he is still a member of the band. O'Connor had joined Modest Mouse in 2021 and was featured on their latest album, "An Eraser and a Maze."
The current lineup of Modest Mouse includes lead singer and founding member Isaac Brock, bass guitarist Russell Higbee, percussionist Ben Massarella, keyboardist Keith Karman, and drummer Damon Cox, who replaced the late founding drummer Jeremiah Green. O'Connor's removal from the touring lineup came after accusations surfaced on Reddit, where a user claimed that the guitarist had sent them inappropriate messages and images when they were 16 years old.
In response to the allegations, O'Connor posted on the band's fan subreddit, denying any intent of engaging in inappropriate behavior with minors and attributing the misunderstanding to mistaken identity. He expressed regret for the situation and apologized to the individual involved. Despite the controversy, Modest Mouse is gearing up for an extensive tour across North America from August to October, with numerous stops scheduled throughout the region. Fans can check the band's website for the full list of tour dates.
As Modest Mouse prepares to hit the road for their upcoming tour, the band has made a significant lineup change by parting ways with guitarist Simon O'Connor. The decision follows allegations made against O'Connor online, prompting the band to bring in Seth Jabour of Les Savy Fav to fill the role. While the circumstances surrounding O'Connor's departure remain unclear, the band is focused on delivering an exciting tour experience for their fans.