Goose drummer Jeff Arevalo has hit back at the band after being fired for behaviour the group said did not align with their “core values”.
The Connecticut jam rock band formed in 2014 and found fans in Dave Matthews, Vampire Weekend and Dead & Company.
Back in January, the multi-instrumentalist took a “mental health break” from touring with them amid a “personal crisis”, but later found his temporary exit had been made permanent without his knowledge.
Yesterday (March 24), the ‘Hungersite’ artists took to Instagram to announce Arevalo would no longer be a part of the Goose organization, after being “made aware of behavior in Jeff’s personal life”.
The band did not provide details on what triggered the decision, but wrote that it was an “incredibly unfortunate, unexpected situation”, adding: “It is clear that this is the only way forward as we remain committed to upholding the values that define our community, particularly when it comes to respecting others and creating a safe environment.
“This past tour was an unexpected challenge to navigate, but through it all, the four of us forged a deeper connection on and off stage. We’re feeling inspired to continue growing as a unit as we move into this next chapter, and are deeply grateful for everyone with us on this journey.”
Today, Arevalo responded, taking to social media to say that while he was “extremely grateful” for the time spent with the progressive-rock outfit, and agreed they should both go separate ways, he felt frustrated at being under-utilised.
He reflected on his mental health break from earlier in the year when he pursued a program in Washington, where he studied “emotional issues” and spoke with counsellors. “I journaled daily, wrote poetry, and played music with my roommate,” he wrote. “The idea of a new and limitless future became much more enticing to me than returning to ‘the organization.’
“Upon leaving the program, rather than hearing from my former bandmates, I had received an email from the band’s lawyer stating that I was being let go for “reported behavior and actions,’” he continued. “I have had plenty of time to reflect upon my actions, relationships, and values and I agree that we should go our separate ways.”
Arevalo went on to thank fans for their support, and said he was “extremely grateful” for the opportunities he had been given over the last five years. “I do not feel that I was rightly respected, valued, or properly utilized in my time with the organization,” he added. “In fact, I had to forgo severance because I refused to sign an NDA. I have chosen to retain my dignity and my truth.
“I wish them well on their journey. I’m pursuing other opportunities where I can be more involved in the songwriting process, creative direction, and work in a properly equitable environment. I have a lot to offer and have been grossly mistreated and underestimated.”
He concluded his post by telling fans the split marked the end of Orebolo, the Goose side-project he played upright bass in. “However, I’ll be holding tryouts for two new guitar players at a future date,” he wrote. “I’ll bring the bass.”
Meanwhile, Goose’s latest album ‘Everything Must Go’ is set to arrive on April 25 via No Coincidence Records. You can pre-order/pre-save here.
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