Timothy Very, the cherished longtime drummer for the acclaimed band Manchester Orchestra, has passed away. The news was confirmed by his bandmates Andy Hull, Robert McDowell, and Andy Prince on Saturday, February 14. While the cause of his death has not been disclosed, his profound impact on the band and those around him is widely recognized.

Very officially joined Manchester Orchestra in 2010, following the departure of former drummer Jeremiah Edmond. His debut with the group was marked by the recording of their third full-length album, "Simple Math," released in 2011. This album notably climbed into the top 10 on Billboard’s Top Rock Albums and Top Alternative Albums charts. Very began touring with the band that same year, with his first live performance taking place in Camden, London, during the U.K. leg of the "Simple Math" tour. Reflecting on that early experience, he famously stated to Alter the Press, "It’s been awesome. I can talk about it for hours, but I’ll just say this is what I’ve always wanted to do and these are guys I’ve known for a long time. It’s the best." He remained an integral part of Manchester Orchestra until his death, contributing to subsequent albums such as "Cope/acoustic companion Hope" (2014), "A Black Mile to the Surface" (2017), "The Million Masks of God" (2021), and the EP "The Valley of Vision" (2023).

The band released a heartfelt statement on Instagram, expressing their devastation over the sudden loss of their "brother." They described Very as "the most beloved human being any of us were lucky enough to know in this life," highlighting his instant likability, kindness, warmth, and infectious laugh. His humor and energy were foundational to the "entire MO universe," fostering a sense of community where "strangers quickly became friends and friends became family." The statement also lauded his "undeniable light" matched only by his dedication and love for his craft, emphasizing that he was a "force of positivity" and a joyful father whose love for his family surpassed even his passion for music.

In a 2022 episode of the podcast "Drummers on Drumming," Very articulated his drumming philosophy, describing himself as a "songwriter’s drummer." He aimed to contribute more than just beats and grooves, striving to understand what a song needed to be enhanced. "Leaving your mark on a song and feeling like, ‘Man, that’s better ’cause I played on it,’ that’s kind of what I’m always sort of circling around and hoping to reach: having an impact on a song that’s just that right thing," he explained.

Very’s musical journey began as a teenager in Pensacola, Florida, inspired by his drummer father. His path truly ignited when a neighbor noticed his dad's unused drum sets. His father, hearing him "banging on them," set them up correctly, marking the start of his lifelong dedication. He found a significant influence in Dave Grohl, especially during Nirvana's heyday in the '90s. Very found Grohl's drum parts "attainable" yet "perfect for songs," providing a "killer place to start" for drummers learning to "service a song" and "enhance it" while still having fun.

In a July 2025 podcast clip on Manchester Orchestra’s Patreon, Very shared wisdom on pursuing dreams, stating, "If you actually believe in yourself and are willing to just bite down on the dream and go like, man, I’m gonna hang in here. Whatever it is, whatever you’re doing out there — it doesn’t have to just be music — this can go across the board for anything. You can make it happen. It just won’t happen the way you thought it would." This sentiment encapsulates the spirit of a musician who not only achieved his dream but also deeply impacted those around him with his artistry and character.