Manchester Orchestra Drummer Timothy Very Dies at 42: A Tribute to a Beloved Musician

An emotional farewell to Timothy Very, whose drumming and warmth shaped Manchester Orchestra’s soul.

Remembering Timothy Very: The Heartbeat of Manchester Orchestra

Losing a band member is like losing a heartbeat, and for Manchester Orchestra fans, Timothy Very’s passing at just 42 years old feels like the music itself has dimmed. I still remember the first time I heard the band’s intricate rhythms and emotional waves, and it was Timothy’s drums that kept everything grounded and pulsing with life.

Timothy Very, drummer of Manchester Orchestra, in his element.

The band shared the heart-wrenching news on social media on February 14, 2026, leaving fans worldwide in stunned silence. No cause of death was disclosed, only the overwhelming grief felt by the band and their extended family of fans.

“The entire Manchester Orchestra family has been devastated by the sudden passing of our brother, Timothy Very,” they posted on X (formerly Twitter). “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.”

A Journey with the Band: From 2011 and Beyond

Timothy joined the Atlanta-based indie rock band in 2011, stepping in to replace Jeremiah Edmond. His arrival marked a new chapter for the group, as he lent his nuanced drumming to every record starting with Simple Math that year. Over a decade later, his last recorded work was on The Million Masks of God in 2021, an album that showed just how deeply his rhythms helped shape the band’s sound.

“The entire Manchester Orchestra family has been devastated by the sudden passing of our brother, Timothy Very. 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.”

— Manchester Orchestra

The Man Behind the Drums: Kindness, Laughter, and Light

In subsequent heartfelt messages, the band painted a picture of a man who was not just a musician but a beacon of kindness and warmth.

“Tim was instantly likable and interacted with everyone he met with kindness and warmth. His laugh was infectious, and he immediately made people feel invited and encouraged. His humor and energy were the very foundation that held together the entire MO universe.”

Isn’t it something special when a band member becomes more than a collaborator—when they become family? “Strangers quickly became friends and friends became family,” the band said. Timothy’s light wasn’t just in his talent but in how deeply he cared for those around him.

“Strangers quickly became friends and friends became 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. No words can ever do him justice.”

— Manchester Orchestra

A Legacy of Positivity and Love

“We love you Tim, thank you for loving us. You are a force of positivity that will be a constant presence in the rest of our days,” the band shared, a message that feels like a warm embrace to anyone grieving alongside them.

They also reminded fans that Timothy didn’t just pour his heart into music—he lived for his family. “Please know, if you are someone who loved Tim, he loved you too. The only thing that Tim loved more than creating music was being with his family. You’d be pressed to find a more joyful dad.”

From Florida Roots to Atlanta Stages

Born on November 22, 1983, in Pensacola, Florida, Timothy’s musical journey began long before Manchester Orchestra. He was childhood friends with the band’s bassist, Andy Prince, which made joining the group feel more like coming home. Before his time with the band, he was part of San Diego’s Waking Ashland, where his drumming already caught attention for its versatility and complex rhythms.

His style elevated Manchester Orchestra’s emotionally rich songs, weaving intricate percussive textures that gave the band its signature sound. Fans who saw their last live show with Timothy will remember the energy he brought to the stage, especially during their homecoming gig at Atlanta’s The Eastern in November.

A Final Farewell

Losing Timothy Very is a heartbreaking moment not just for the band but for all of us who found solace and connection through their music. His legacy as a musician and as a genuinely wonderful person will live on in every beat and every note.

FAQ

• What band was Timothy Very a drummer for?
  Timothy Very was the drummer for the Atlanta-based indie rock band Manchester Orchestra.
• When did Timothy Very join Manchester Orchestra?
  He joined the band in 2011, replacing their previous drummer Jeremiah Edmond.
• What albums did Timothy Very play on?
  He played on every Manchester Orchestra album starting with Simple Math (2011) and including their 2021 release The Million Masks of God.
• What is known about the cause of Timothy Very’s death?
  As of the announcement, no cause of death has been publicly confirmed.
• Was Timothy Very involved in other bands before Manchester Orchestra?
  Yes, he was part of the San Diego band Waking Ashland before joining Manchester Orchestra.

If Timothy’s rhythmic magic and the band’s heartfelt story moved you, why not celebrate that connection with a favorite album cover poster? Visit our store and bring a piece of that musical spirit into your own space: Shop your favorite album cover poster.