Goose Announces Departure Of Drummer Ben Atkind

Goose has parted ways with longtime drummer Ben Atkind. The decision, referred to in a press release as an “amicable parting” was due to “a creative impasse that neither side could overcome.”

Raised in the Boston area, Ben Atkind co-founded Goose in 2014 with guitarist Rick Mitarotonda and bassist Trevor Weekz. All three musicians were previously in the band Vasudo. Goose underwent a number of lineup changes before adding keyboardist/guitarist Peter Anspach to the mix at the end of 2017. Percussionist Jeff Arevalo joined in 2020. Atkind met Mitarotonda and Arevalo while studying at Berklee College of Music.

Both Ben Atkind and his now former bandmates issued statements regarding the drummer’s departure. Read both below:

From Rick Mitarotonda, Peter Anspach, Trevor Weekz and Jeff Arevalo:

To our Goose Family,

There has been a lot going on these days, and we’d like to take a moment to address a change happening within the band.

Over the last few months, we’ve had some really difficult internal conversations that have unfortunately resulted in Ben’s departure.

As everyone knows, with any type of relationship, sometimes growing in different directions is beyond our control. After a great deal of time and effort working to bridge fundamental personal and creative differences, we’ve come to a place where we feel our current path to be unsustainable long-term.

Looking at the larger scope of our lives, we feel in our hearts that making this change is ultimately in the best interest of everyone’s well-being. Change is often very painful and scary, but an unavoidable part of life. This band and everyone involved in it means the world to us, and there is no aspect of this decision we’ve taken lightly. We all love Ben very much and want nothing but the best for him. He is a world class drummer, and we can’t wait to watch and support his future endeavors.

We ask for your understanding and faith that these types of situations are often far more complicated than what meets the eye, and that this decision is a difficult one for all of us. It is not the result of fighting, drama or malicious intent on any end, but merely recognizing that, over time, it’s just not the right fit anymore. All we can do is continue to move forward towards what we feel is best for everyone’s personal and creative growth, health, and happiness.

We are endlessly grateful for the ride we have had so far. Every hurdle along the way has offered an opportunity to learn more about how to be a band and grow tighter as a family. Sharing our music with a community that we connect with so deeply has brought us a humbling amount of joy, and we wouldn’t trade that for anything.

While this has been a difficult and painful time, we are also incredibly excited for the next chapter of this band. We will be heading into the new year with a renewed sense of creative fire that will allow us to dive deeper into the music and continue bringing you the Goose experience you know and love. We can’t thank you enough for your continuous support and understanding through this transition.

With Love,

Rick, Peter, Trevor, and Jeff

From Ben Atkind:

To the Fans, Friends, and Family of Goose,

After nearly a decade on the road, hundreds of performances, several albums, and countless memories, it is with both a heavy heart and a deep sense of gratitude that I send this message.

From early shows at Jimmy’s Seaside and O’Neill’s, to sold-out concerts at Red Rocks and Hampton Coliseum, to unforgettable performances on national TV, the Goose journey has been nothing short of remarkable. We’ve had the opportunity to share the stage with personal heroes and legends who are forever stitched into the fabric of modern music. Conceiving a dream isn’t easy, and I realize how lucky I am to have been a part of it — from the very beginning until where Goose is now.

Long-term creative camaraderie demands personal evolution. It demands consistent communication, mutual empathy, and a willingness to compromise. Even though this is something we tried, these elements fell out of sync, which is where we find ourselves today. I will be forever grateful for my time with my bandmates and wish them the best as we prepare to go our separate ways.

To our fans: my journey thus far would not have been possible without your steadfast encouragement, electrifying enthusiasm, and unwavering loyalty. You’ve truly embraced our music, celebrated our milestones, and always made me feel at home. Your continued support means the world to me and for this, I cannot thank you enough.

To the touring crew: your tireless work behind the scenes has made each performance magical. Your commitment and hard work have never gone unnoticed. You are the unsung heroes of this journey, and I am deeply thankful for each one of you.

I look forward to exploring new creative avenues and continuing my musical journey — with all of you and in ways that feel authentic to me.

With love, profound gratitude for the past, and optimism for the future,

Ben Atkind

Atkind contributed to all three of Goose’s studio albums. The band’s debut record, Moon Cabin, arrived in 2016. Shenanigans Nite Club came out in 2021 trailed by Dripfield the following year.

Ben Atkind is also a co-founding member of ElephantProof. The quartet formed on the Berklee campus also features Atkind’s one-time Goose bandmate keyboardist Chris Enright as well as guitarist Sean Cronin and bassist Shon Gordon. ElephantProof released their self-titled debut studio album in 2021.

Goose’s final shows with Ben Atkind were their sold-out Goosemas 2023 shows at Hampton Coliseum in Hampton, Virginia on Friday, December 8 and Saturday, December 9. Ben Atkind addressed the crowd at the start of the encore on the second night. “I fucking love you guys, thank you for fucking 10 years of amazingness,” Atkind said after shouting out an after-show. “Please keep being kind to each other. Show each other empathy. I appreciate you guys so much.”

As of today, Goose only has a pair of 2024 festival appearances on their schedule for next year. The first is Summer Camp Presents Solshine, which doesn’t take place until Memorial Day Weekend. It remains to be seen who will replace Atkind.