Rising Denver-based psychedelic rock fusion trio Cycles has officially announced the departure of founding member and drummer, Michael Wood. In his place, guitarist Patrick Harvey and bassist Tucker McClung have called up longtime friend Collin O’Brien to take over Wood’s duties behind the drum kit.
Read a heartfelt statement from Cycles’ new drummer Collin O’Brien below:
Life is pretty crazy sometimes. I was planning on moving to Denver this year and Michael and I found a great place, we signed a lease and I started packing my bags in Chicago. A week or two before I got in my car I get a call from Mike and he asks if I would have any interest playing in Cycles…
I sort of have a long history with the band, Patty and I met my second year in Chicago and started a band that turned into my band, Low Spark. We’ve always been close friends and have had a strong musical connection from the start. I met Michael years ago when Phish was in town and we immediately started nerding out about drums, music, our aspirations and kept in touch over the years. We always tried to link up shows together and sent each other new music or drumming exercises we were working on from time to time.
I have an IMMENSE amount of respect for these guys and the work they put into get the band off the ground and to the level it’s at now. I remember on their first tour we linked up in Chicago, and in preliminary talks I asked Mike how the name was spelled, he said ‘Either Cycles or Psycles… I think we’ll go with Cycles’
It’s been so wild to see these guys progress and work their asses off over the years. When Mike told me he needed time to focus on other aspects of his life and get off the constant tour schedule; I was surprised to say the least. That quickly turned into a very real understanding, it takes a very strong willed person to take charge and change their situation when they know deep down it’s the healthiest thing for them.
The night I moved in to our house we talked for hours, about everything. His decision, the transition, is coming from a place of love, and I honestly wouldn’t agree to anything otherwise. Before the first show he gave me a big hug and said ‘Crush it bud’.
Former drummer Michael Wood added,
It’s natural to assume that when a band has a lineup change, that there is some amount of drama and grudge-holding involved. And for most bands, that is probably true most of the time. But I’m happy to say that this transition has come from a place of love and support. I’m so thankful that Collin is our man. He’s been nothing but caring and supportive of me.
I’d be lying if I said it’s been easy to step away. But I feel it was the right choice for myself and the band in general. I don’t know what the future holds, but I know that I will never stop making music, and I know that Collin and I are bound to be getting into plenty of roommate-drum jams (sorry in advance if any of our neighbors happen to be reading this!) So stay tuned…
Along with the drummer replacement, Cycles recently announced an extensive 2019 fall tour, which will see the band offer up first-time headlining performances in Washington, D.C. and Brooklyn. The band will offer support to Sunsquabi at shows in Dallas and Austin, along with four co-billed shows throughout the northeast with Colorado musical brothers Magic Beans.
Towards the end of the tour, the band will unveil a one-of-a-kind, interactive game show/concert experience dubbed Cycles Presents: The Game Show, set to take place at Denver’s Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom on October 19th. Cycles notes that additional fall dates will be announced in the coming weeks.
As an extra special treat, fans can now enjoy Cycles’ full set from The Peach Music Festival 2019 below:
Cycles – The Peach Music Festival – 7/26/2019
[Audio: Keith Litzenberger]
See below for a full list of Cycles’ upcoming tour dates. For ticketing and more information, head to the band’s website.
The post Cycles Announces New Drummer & 2019 Fall Tour Dates appeared first on L4LM.
