Tim Very, longtime drummer for Manchester Orchestra, has died at the age of 42. The Atlanta-based indie rock band confirmed the news in a statement shared on social media. A cause of death has not been provided.
“The entire Manchester Orchestra family has been devastated by the sudden passing of our brother, Timothy Very,” the band wrote. “The most beloved human being any of us were lucky enough to know in this life. We’ve all been dreading sharing this news as we are all still in absolute disbelief.”
In their tribute, band members described Very as “instantly likable,” praising his warmth, humor and infectious laugh. They credited his energy and positivity as a foundational force within the group, adding that he made strangers feel like friends and friends feel like family.
“He had an undeniable light that was only matched by his dedication and love for the craft that he was clearly put on earth to do,” the statement continued. “Please know, if you are someone who loved Tim, he loved you too.”
The band also emphasized Very’s devotion to his family, describing him as a joyful and dedicated father. “The only thing that Tim loved more than creating music was being with his family,” the statement read.
A Career in Music
Born November 22, 1983, in Pensacola, Florida, Very began playing music in church, where he performed alongside future Manchester Orchestra bassist Andy Prince. He later spent time with the San Diego band Waking Ashland before joining Manchester Orchestra in 2011.
Very made his recording debut with the band on their 2011 album Simple Math. He went on to play on several of the group’s most celebrated releases, including Cope (2014), A Black Mile to the Surface (2017), and The Million Masks of God (2021).
Beyond his work with Manchester Orchestra, Very contributed to recordings by other artists, including Foxing, Chris Staples and Tom Morello, further cementing his reputation as a versatile and respected musician within the indie and alternative rock communities.
Last week, Manchester Orchestra announced a forthcoming live album, Union Chapel (London, England), scheduled for release March 20 via Loma Vista.
Remembering a “Force of Positivity”
As news of Very’s passing spread, tributes poured in from fans and fellow musicians, many recalling his musicianship and the joyful presence he brought both on and off the stage.
“We love you Tim, thank you for loving us,” the band concluded in its statement. “You are a force of positivity that will be a constant presence in the rest of our days.”
Very’s death marks a profound loss for Manchester Orchestra and for the broader music community that embraced his talent and spirit over more than a decade of performances and recordings.
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