Mark O’Connell, the drummer for the Long Island emo band Taking Back Sunday, has announced his departure after being with the group for almost 25 years. He shared the news in a heartfelt post on social media, confirming that he is no longer part of the band.
“After nearly 25 years as the drummer of Taking Back Sunday, I want to let everyone know that I’m no longer with the band,” O’Connell wrote.
In his message, he reflected on the memories and expressed gratitude to the fans, calling them the “heartbeat” of the band and an essential part of his journey. “I owe it all to you,” he said.
O’Connell revealed that leaving the band was a difficult decision, and it wasn’t entirely his own. Over the past few years, he had shifted his focus to personal growth, his family, and his commitment to sobriety. However, during this period, he felt a lack of support from his bandmates, which, along with creative differences, made it challenging to move forward.
At the same time as this announcement, O’Connell released his first solo single, titled Brain Dead, on December 31. He also shared his plans to release more music in the future, both as a solo artist and with other collaborators. “I’ve poured my heart into this project, and I’m excited to share this new chapter of creativity and hope with you,” he said.
He thanked his bandmates and fans for the memories and experiences, choosing to focus on the positive moments as he moves forward. “I’m proud of what we built together and excited about what’s ahead,” he concluded.
Taking Back Sunday was formed in 1999, though the band has undergone multiple lineup changes over the years. Mark O’Connell joined in 2001, replacing the original drummer Steven DeJoseph. That same year, the group also saw Adam Lazzara become the lead vocalist.
In recent years, other founding members have also left the band, including guitarist Eddie Reyes in 2018 for personal reasons. Today, guitarist John Nolan is the only member remaining from the original lineup, though he too briefly left the band from 2003 to 2010 to form Straylight Run.
O’Connell’s departure marks the end of an era for Taking Back Sunday but opens a new chapter for the longtime drummer as he embarks on his solo journey.
