Drummer of Atlanta-based Manchester Orchestra dies at 42

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Tim Very, drummer for the Atlanta-based band Manchester Orchestra, has died, the group announced Saturday. He was 42.

The band shared news of Very’s death in a statement posted to social media.

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

“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. 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. 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. 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.”

No cause of death has been revealed.

Very joined the band in 2011 after the departure of drummer Jeremiah Edmond and contributed to multiple studio releases and tours during his tenure. Outside of his work with Manchester Orchestra, he pursued a range of creative projects, including content shared on his YouTube channel.

Manchester Orchestra, though named after the English city, was established in Atlanta and went on to host the annual festival The Stuffing, which featured artists such as Cage the Elephant and Kevin Devine. Their 2011 track “Simple Math” received two MTV Video Music Award nominations and later earned recognition at the European Camerimage Awards.

The band expanded its international audience with the release of Cope, which climbed to No. 5 on the UK Albums Chart. Frontman Andy Hull and guitarist Robert McDowell also composed the score for Swiss Army Man, starring Daniel Radcliffe. In 2017, their single “The Gold” reached the top spot on Billboard’s Adult Alternative Songs chart.

This is a developing story. Check back with Atlanta News First for updates.

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