Skip to main content

Fever Dream Drummer Fired

Left to right: Ryan Mackay, Josh Peterson, Jean Patano (band manager), Randy Dagner

Fever Dream has officially fired drummer Randy Dagner, according to statements released by both parties. Dagner joined the band in 1986, two years after their formation in 1984 and one year before their first album was released in 1987, and has remained with the band since.

In a series of now deleted tweets, the longtime drummer accused frontman Ryan Mackay of being the prime mover in his dismissal and detailed a long sordid history of drug and alcohol abuse that began with heroin in the mid '90s and covered many incidents in which those who spoke out against the singer-songwriter were summarily dismissed. These deleted tweets also shed light on the recent cancellation of their sold out "Deck the Hall Ball Night Two" show in Detroit, Michigan - from which the band hails - on December 18th, which stated that Mackay was "too drunk to show up."

In a statement later released on Twitter, Danger said: "Thank you everyone for your kind words. I'm as shocked as you are, I just found out myself and I'm obviously not taking it well. I'm going to take some time away with my family and regroup. I love you all."

The band confirmed this dismissal with a statement released on their website: "It is with a heavy heart that we part ways with Randy Dagner. These decisions are never easy, and it was not made lightly. People change and grow in different directions and it has become clear to us that our journey is taking us in another direction. We wish him all the best in the future and thank you for understanding. Have a safe and happy holiday and we'll be seeing you in the New Year."