Take Back Sunday drummer Mark O’Connell announces departure

Mark O’Connell, the longtime drummer for Long Island emo band Taking Back Sunday, has called it quits after nearly 25 years with the band.

O’Connell shared a lengthy post on social media detailing his exit from the band, telling his followers, “After nearly 25 years as the drummer for Take Back Sunday, I would like to confirm that I will no longer be the drummer for Take Back Sunday. He is a member of the band.”

Via his account (still @markoconnelltbs), O’Connell reflected on his time in the band and thanked fans for being the “heartbeat” of Take Back Sunday and his life for nearly a quarter of a century “important part” of it. “I owe this all to you,” he wrote.

“My decision to leave was not an easy one, nor was it entirely my own,” he continued. “Over the past few years, I have been focused on my family and personal growth, including working on my sobriety. Unfortunately, during this time, I have not always been able to receive the best advice from those I consider my brothers. I felt the support I needed, and the creative differences made it difficult to move forward together.

News of O’Connell’s departure also coincides with the release of his first solo music effort, his single “Brain Dead,” which was released on December 31. Lots of music.

“I’m excited to share that I will be releasing new music soon as a solo artist with some old friends,” he explained. I poured my heart and soul into this project and I can’t wait to share it with you all. This is a new chapter for me – full of enthusiasm, creativity and hope. I hope you will join me on this journey and we will continue to be a part of each other’s stories.

“That being said, I’m grateful for the incredible memories I’ve had with each of my bandmates and all of you, and all the opportunities along the way,” he continued. “As I move into the next chapter, I choose to focus on the good.

“Thank you again for everything you do. I’m proud of everything we’ve created together and even more excited about what the future holds.

Take Back Sunday formed in 1999, but went through numerous lineup changes in their first few years, including the departure of future Brand New frontman Jesse Lacy in 2000. Tour, O’Connell took his place. That same year, founding lead singer Antonio Longo was also replaced by Adam Lazzara.

In 2018, founding guitarist Eddie Reyes announced he was leaving the band, with the band issuing a statement citing “personal reasons” for his exit. Currently, the only remaining member of the band’s original lineup is guitarist John Nolan (who left in 2003 to form Straylight Run and returned in 2010).