Goose, the popular Connecticut indie jam band, have parted ways with percussionist/multi-instrumentalist Jeff Arevalo, with both sides sharing statements that appear to hint at unspecified, behind-the-scenes tensions.
In their statement, Goose said they’d decided to split with Arevalo after being “made aware of behavior in Jeff’s personal life that does not align with the band’s core values.” No specifics were given, though the band later said that their most recent tour “was an unexpected challenge to navigate.”
The band went on to say: “This is an incredibly unfortunate, unexpected situation, and we did not anticipate having to make another painful change to the band. However, it is clear that this is the only way forward as we remain committed to upholding the values that define our community, particularly when it comes to respecting others and creating a safe environment.”
Arevalo, who joined Goose in 2020, offered his side of the story on Instagram. He said he approached the band’s management in January “with a personal crisis” and it was decided that he “should take a break from the tour.” The musician said he went on a “mental health break” and entered a program in Washington where he “studied emotional issues, spoke with many counselors, and worked in a group therapy setting with an open heart and mind.”
He continued: “I journaled daily, wrote poetry, and played music with my roommate. The idea of a new and limitless future became much more enticing to me than returning to ‘the organization.’” (Arevalo’s use of “the organization” in quotes appears to be a reference to a line in Goose’s statement: “As a result, Jeff will no longer be part of the Goose organization.”) Arevalo said that, after completing the program, he did not hear from his former bandmates, but rather Goose’s lawyers, telling him that he was being let go for “reported behavior and actions.”
Arevalo said that after reflecting on his “actions, relationships, and values,” he agreed it was best for him to leave the band. But he also said: “I do not feel that I was rightly respected, valued, or properly utilized in my time with the organization. In fact, I had to forgo severance because I refused to sign an NDA. I have chosen to retain my dignity and my truth.”
Arevalo said he was grateful “for the opportunities I have been given over the last five years,” and wished his old bandmates well on their journey. But he closed his note with another pointed remark: “I’m pursuing other opportunities where I can be more involved in the songwriting process, creative direction, and work in a properly equitable environment. I have a lot to offer and have been grossly mistreated and underestimated.”
The departure of Arevalo comes as Goose gear up to release their new album, Everything Must Go, April 25 via No Coincidence Records. That album will also be the group’s first with new drummer Cotter Ellis, who replaced former drummer Ben Atkind.
From Rolling Stone US
