Reading Derek's description below his video was interesting and made me wonder at what point in the process of making this album did he decide to leave the band? "I'm pretty sure this is the only footage of us working on songs before going into the studio (where we spent another week or two writing). The camera audio was pretty bad, so it's synced to a recording from later that day or the day after. Clearly, the building was haunted (or we were conjuring ghosts), which is evident from the orbs seen throughout the video (I'm only half-joking). Sadly, this is most likely the last of the footage from the album aside from the two drum tracking videos I posted previously (links below). Had I known that it would be my last album with the band, I would have better documented things - hindsight=20/20."
Yeah, just wondering what happened between recording drums/not documenting it very well, with a comment about 'had I known it was my last Alk3 record...' and the decision the leave. For some reason I'd always assumed he went into the recording sessions for that album knowing he was leaving but wanting to complete the album. Just thinking about it. I miss him, like the rest of us.
I think when the reality of Trio becoming full force touring again hit him and the anxiety of it all. I think he wanted to tour in limited capacity (He was on the 2022 tour with Coheed after all..) but with Matt out of blink, Trio was fully back on. The timeline of everything yeah im not sure of but I know the heart is Derek just did not want to be touring a lot.
This is my thinking as well. Touring can be grueling even if you’re a successful band and when you’ve toured for over 20 years? Yeah, I could see someone wanting to leave that behind if it was all or nothing (schedule wise).
Yes I think you're right, and I agree. He must've known there was a strong possibility they'd be touring full force, though, even while recording. I bet it was weighing on him and he wanted to do it, but in the end decided that wasn't the trajectory he wanted for however long Alk3 continues. Basically what you said already.
I like the way they talk about Matt's connection with Blink when also Atom played with Tom in Angels & Airwaves !
Surprise Surprise might be one of the ten best songs I’ve heard the whole year. The chorus lives in my brain.
https://old.reddit.com/r/AlkalineTrio/comments/1q5sktb/new_alkaline_trio_demo_january_2026/ more new stuff cooking lfg
That’s a legitimate shock. He seemed like he was having such a great time with them. I for sure thought he’d stick around. Bummer.
Whoa wtf I am being serious about this, if anyone has any ins with the band, I would like to apply and believe I’m qualified.
Damn, this sucks and is feels very unexpected. Atom is my favourite drummer of all-time, and him paired with my favourite band of all-time, was a dream come true. There’s a tiny part of me that wonders if Derek is coming back…
That's the only thing I could think of too because otherwise it seemed like he was very much on the same wavelength as the band and seemed to be the new permanent member. Derek coming back is the only thing that makes any sense to me
Yeah the fact that he also included that he’s open/available to any session/touring gigs definitely makes it sound like something happened.