Matt leaving the band

When I first heard the news, I was in a complete state of shock. But then after taking a few minutes to digest it, it really started to make sense to me. I think the untimely death of Taylor Hawkins 3 years ago understandably had a very deep and profound effect on Matt. I think watching the struggles that Taylor went through for years with the Foos’ intense touring schedule and marathon live shows—and the heartbreaking result that led to—caused Matt to really start to reflect on the realities of life as an aging touring rock drummer, and led him to reevaluate what he was looking for out of all of this. Ever since that time, he has become much more vocal about the trials and tribulations of being a drummer in a touring rock band, and the difficulty of balancing the challenges of the rock n roll life with his obligations to his family. Personally I could not even imagine how physically and mentally demanding and draining it must be to be on the road with a rock band for almost 3 decades, especially for someone over the age of 60. And it is no secret that in the aftermath of Taylor’s death, Matt was the impetus behind the end of the marathon 35-song, 3 1/2-hour double encore shows. So maybe this shouldn’t have come as much of a surprise to me as it initially did.  

But now Ed’s statements during the final night in Pittsburgh about this being the last time they would perform live for a year or two make a lot more sense to me. I did think it was a bit strange how many times Ed referenced them taking a break from touring throughout the night, and the watery eyes and emotional strain in his voice when he did. So I thought there might have been something else happening behind the scenes. Admittedly though, I did not see this coming (although now in retrospect maybe I should have). This also explains why the rest of the band was so emotional throughout the show, especially towards the end of the night. I noticed Jeff in particular bawling his eyes out at the end of the show. 

I do think that based on his prior statements and the timing of this announcement, Matt is retiring from live music for good. And no one has earned it more. But having said that, it still wouldn’t surprise me if he reunites with the remaining members of Soundgarden and Brandi Carlile for a reunion/farewell tour to coincide with Soundgarden’s Rock n Roll Hall of Fame induction before he hangs it up for good. Brandi performed a great version of Searching with my Good Eye Closed with Matt and Mike at Ohana Encore in ‘21, and she has performed with the other members of Soundgarden on a few other occasions as well. Personally I’d love to see this happen. I guess it’s also possible that Matt could join the Foos and replace Josh Freese, but given that the Foos have a much busier touring schedule than PJ, I think that’s much less likely. 

Now I know it is probably way too early to start having this discussion, but in terms of who will ultimately replace Matt (though after 27 years, I consider him irreplaceable), my top choice would be Jack Irons. I have always loved Jack—both with PJ, RHCP, and his various side projects—and think he’s a great drummer. Jack’s tribal beats on In My Tree have always been one of my favorite drumming moments in PJ’s repertoire, and I’d love to get to see him play it live. Plus, who knows, with Jack on tour, maybe Whale Song would become a live staple! 🐳🎶🤣 But I think that given his age, Jack might not be the best choice in terms of touring longevity. I think recent free agent Josh Freese is a likely choice, especially since he’s about a decade younger. Personally I’d be very happy with Josh as I think he’s a great drummer and full of energy. I could see Josh’s frenetic energy jiving well with the rest of the band’s (especially Mike’s). I think other good potential replacements would be Dave Krusen (who already filled in well for Matt when Matt was sick with COVID and still has great chops), Barrett Martin, Stephen Perkins, or Janet Weiss. But I’ll leave that discussion for another time. 

I’ll conclude with this: this is truly the end of an era. MFC you are an absolute legend, and we will all miss your great energy, phenomenal playing, and beaming smile dearly. I’m so sad knowing that I’ll never get to see you man the kit at a PJ show again, but so grateful for all the amazing memories you’ve created for me and countless others over the past almost 3 decades. And I also feel so fortunate to have been present for your final show with PJ in Pittsburgh a few months ago. You truly went out with a bang! Best wishes to you and your family on the next chapter. “I miss you already, I miss you always.” ❤️😀🥁🎸🤘