Timothy Very, longtime drummer for Atlanta indie-rock band Manchester Orchestra, has died at 42. The band confirmed his sudden passing in a statement shared on social media, describing him as “the most beloved human being any of us were lucky enough to know in this life.” No cause of death has been disclosed.
Very joined Manchester Orchestra in 2011 following the departure of drummer Jeremiah Edmond. Over the next 15 years, he became the band’s longest-serving drummer, contributing to albums including ‘Cope’ (2014), ‘A Black Mile to the Surface’ (2017), and ‘The Million Masks of God’ (2021), as well as 2023’s ‘The Valley of Vision’ EP. His steady, expressive playing became central to the band’s evolving sound.
“The entire Manchester Orchestra family has been devastated,” the band wrote. “Tim was instantly likable and interacted with everyone he met with kindness and warmth. His humor and energy were the very foundation that held together the entire MO universe.” They also reflected on his love for family, calling him “a more joyful dad” than most could imagine.
Born in Pensacola, Florida, Very began playing drums as a teenager and cited Dave Grohl as an early influence. He once described himself as a “songwriter’s drummer,” focused on serving the song rather than overpowering it. From touring internationally to helping shape some of the band’s most acclaimed releases, Timothy Very left a lasting mark on Manchester Orchestra and the wider rock community.