ATLANTA, GA — The indie rock community is in mourning following the sudden and devastating passing of Timothy “Tim” Very, the longtime drummer for the acclaimed Atlanta-based band Manchester Orchestra. He was 42 years old.
The news was confirmed by his bandmates—Andy Hull, Robert McDowell, and Andy Prince—in a poignant statement released across social media on Saturday, February 14, 2026. The band expressed a sense of profound shock and grief, describing a loss that has shaken the “Manchester Orchestra universe” to its core.+1
A Sudden and Heartbreaking Loss
The official statement from the band painted a picture of a man who was far more than just a musician to his colleagues. Very was remembered as a pillar of kindness and humor within the group.+1
“The entire Manchester Orchestra family has been devastated by the sudden passing of our brother, Timothy Very,” the statement 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.”
The band continued by highlighting Very’s unique ability to connect with people, noting that he made everyone feel “invited and encouraged” with an infectious laugh and a constant “undeniable light.” While the band confirmed the passing was sudden, no cause of death has been publicly released at this time.
The Heartbeat of the Band
Tim Very joined Manchester Orchestra in 2011, stepping into the role after the departure of original drummer Jeremiah Edmond. His debut with the group on the 2011 album Simple Math marked the beginning of a transformative era for the band.+1
Very’s drumming style—often described as powerful yet nuanced—became a defining characteristic of Manchester Orchestra’s expansive sound. He was a central figure in the creation of several of the band’s most critically acclaimed works, including:
- Simple Math (2011)
- Cope (2014) and its acoustic reimagining, Hope
- A Black Mile to the Surface (2017)
- The Million Masks of God (2021)
In interviews, Very often described himself as a “songwriter’s drummer,” prioritizing the emotional weight and structure of a track over technical showmanship. His ability to anchor the band’s heavy, distorted crescendos while remaining delicate during their cinematic lulls earned him immense respect within the industry.
Legacy Beyond the Kit
Beyond his professional accolades, the band’s tribute focused heavily on Very’s role as a family man. “The only thing that Tim loved more than creating music was being with his family,” the band shared. “You’d be pressed to find a more joyful dad.”
Very was also an active creator outside of the band, frequently sharing insights into his craft through his YouTube channel and his recent podcast, Timmy’s Timeline, which offered a deep dive into his journey through the music industry.
A Community in Mourning
As news of Very’s death spread, tributes began pouring in from fans and fellow musicians alike. Manchester Orchestra has long been a staple of the indie scene, particularly in their hometown of Atlanta, where they host the annual Stuffing Festival.
The band concluded their farewell to their “brother” with a promise:
“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.”
Timothy Very (1983–2026)
| Detail | Information |
| Joined Manchester Orchestra | 2011 |
| Age | 42 |
| Notable Works | A Black Mile to the Surface, Simple Math |
| Home City | Pensacola, FL / Atlanta, GA |
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