Dance Gavin Dance drummer leaves tour for rehab to address substance abuse issues
Drummer Matt Mingus has exited Dance Gavin Dance's current U.S. tour to "go to an in-patient rehabilitation facility to allow him to recover" from substance abuse issues.
Following a show in Detroit on Saturday night at which Matt Mingus was "unable to properly perform", Dance Gavin Dance have announced that the drummer has left the band's current tour to go to rehab.
With drum tech Dakota Sammons set to replace him on the remainder of their current U.S. run, Matt's band members share in a collective statement that the musician will "immediately go to an in-patient rehabilitation facility to allow him to recover", with his "health and well-being" their absolute top priority.
Read the full statement below:
"Following the events that occurred at our Detroit show on Saturday, we wanted to share some further info with our fans. Matt is unfortunately battling with substance use issues. Matt, along with the band and our team, has decided that the best course of action is for him to immediately go to an in-patient rehabilitation facility to allow him to recover. Matt is and has always been an integral part of Dance Gavin Dance. He is our brother and his health and well-being will always be our first priority.
"Our drum tech, Dakota Sammons, will fill in, with Matt‘s blessing, for the rest of this tour. We can’t wait to have Matt back, fit and healthy, on the road with us once he’s made a full recovery.
"As everyone knows, the pandemic has been exceptionally hard on everyone, but especially musicians and touring crews. Being back on the road and getting to share our music with our incredible fans once again after such a long period of emotional and financial uncertainty, has been such a gift. So many fans have reached out to tell us about the catharsis these Afterburner shoes have provided, following the incredibly trying 18 months we have all just endured.
"We all need this. Dance Gavin Dance are no strangers to adversity, but our incredible and unique connection we share with our fans means that we always prevail. This will be no different. We appreciate your love and support so much and we know you’ll join us in sending Matt much love and wishes for a speedy recovery.
"See you at the next show.
"Will, Jon, Tilian, Tim and Andrew."
Kerrang! would like to send Matt and all the DGD members our best at this difficult time.