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Very’s bandmates, Andy Hull, Robert McDowell and Andy Prince shared their condolences and devastation alongside fans. The men lovingly described Very as “the most beloved human being any of us were lucky enough to know in this life.” Undoubtedly a huge loss for the band as the men have been playing together for many years.

As the longtime drummer for Manchester Orchestra since 2011, Very made incredible waves within their discography as a replacement for their former drummer, Jeremiah Edmond. Making his first recorded debut with the band, ‘Simple Math’ in the very same year he joined. Very maintained a lasting impact on the bands overall sound and his musical legacy will be remembered for countless years to come. Very became the bands longest standing drummer, leaving his mark on a range of their later projects too including:

–              Cope (2014)

-              Hope (2014)

-              A Black Mile to the Surface (2017)

-              The Million Masks of God (2021)

-              The EP The Valley of Vision (2023)

Born and raised in Pensacola, Floria, Very was introduced to drums from a very early age, by his father. Very’s father was also a dedicated drummer which planted his urge for creation in his youth. Instantly falling head over heels with the rhythmic playing, Very was bound to be a star.

A multitude of influential artists led him through his musical journey including rock icon Dave Grohl, an individuals work that only encouraged Very to work harder and achieve his goals during his formative years. Very spent a great deal of time rehearsing Grohl’s impressive drum skills, educating him in drumming beyond the surface.

Very’s musical career dates way back before his days with Manchester Orchestra, prior to partaking in the group he played in indie band, Walking Ashland. An experience he shared with fellow Manchester Orchestra bandmate Prince.

Manchester Orchestra formed back in 2004 with frontman Hull as the band’s only remaining original member. Their specific sound mixes indie rock with emotional lyricism and dynamic arrangements. The band’s debut ‘I’m Like a Virgin Losing a Child’ won over the hearts of critics and birthed a generation of fans for years to come. The group remains greatly influential within the indie scene to this day.

Very’s cause of death remains unknown, however it is noted to have been ‘sudden’ by fellow bandmates.

Condolences and heartfelt messages are flying in from supporters and relatives alike. During this difficult time, it is important for fans to provide Very’s family with respect and the space they require to tackle this unimaginably challenging time. Very’s impact on the music industry is one that will last forever.

Chief booker James Scarlett said of next summer’s festival, “Once again we’re bringing a line-up of 2000trees legends, including the likes of Boston Manor and The XCERTS, to open the festival on the Wednesday night for those of you lucky enough to get your hands on a four-day ticket. We’re also stoked to be welcoming so many bands like The Gaslight Anthem, Manchester Orchestra, Hot Mulligan and Better Lovers to the festival for the very first time. 2000trees 2024 is already shaping up to be something truly special – don’t sleep on it!” 

The festival is certainly aiming to capitalise on and further promote acts that have been grabbing the attention of fans and critics in recent months with groups such as Brighton’s Lambrini Girls, Southampton’s thrash/hardcore crossover band Grove Street and Glasgow’s Dead Pony all getting the opportunity to wow audiences with their exciting, pulse-raising live sets that have earned them much press coverage over the past year.

A stand out feature for 2024 will undoubtedly be Better Lovers-a supergroup made up of members of Dillinger Escape Plan and Everytime I Die. UK audiences will be eager to catch what will assuredly be a wildly chaotic and exhilarating performance from a band that promises true greatness in the years to come.

Founded in 2007, 2000trees festival was began by six friends who were tired of the mainstream festivals dominating the British Summer Time scene and yearning for a more underground celebration that featured bands that were less well known, up and coming or rooted in the alternative scene. The festival remains small, capping out at 15,000 attendees-giving it a close-knit atmosphere.

Tickets to the 2024 edition of the festival are on sale now and can be purchased here.

Manchester Orchestra first formed in Atlanta in 2004 and have released numerous EP’s and six studio albums with their debut I’m Like a Virgin Losing a Child. They more recently dropped their sixth studio album The Million Masks of God in April Last Year. The new shows, at London’s Kentish Town Forum and Manchester’s O2 Ritz are coming in support of this latest release.

The band comprised of rhythm guitarist and singer-songwriter Andy Hull, lead guitarist Robert McDowell, bassist Andy Prince and drummer Tim Very will play Manchester on September 15, before then heading to London the following night. The short run of dates will follow on from the band’s next leg of their North American tour set to run from February 16 till March 20 with a couple of dates in Canada to follow in July.

Fans can pick up tickets here, and for an example of what you can expect from one of their live performances here is a newly-released live video of the band playing “Angel Of Death” live at a hometown gig in Atlanta, Georgia last year.

Manchester Orchestra will also take part in the much anticipated When We Were Young music festival in Las Vegas which will headline My Chemical Romance and Paramore and also feature UK bands such as Bring Me The Horizon, Neck Deep and Wolf Alice. In other news the band also released an EP of remixes, which features Local Natives’ reworking of “Bed Head” and Dirty Projectors’ mix of their single “Telepath” which fans may also get to enjoy when they go and see the band on tour.

Manchester Orchestra UK Dates:

09/15 Manchester Ritz
09/16 London Kentish Town Forum