A former member of a popular jam band is speaking out after a not-so-amicable parting of ways.
Goose announced Sunday that percussionist Jeff Arevalo will no longer be a part of the group, citing “behavior in Jeff’s personal life that does not align with the band’s core values.” Neither he nor the band have elaborated on his alleged “behavior” issues.
On Monday, Arevalo said he found out he was “being let go for ‘reported behavior and actions’” from Goose’s lawyer — not his former bandmates. He said the split came after he took a “mental health break” in January to seek treatment for a “personal crisis.”
Arevalo, who joined Goose in 2020, said he agreed “that we should go our separate ways,” but said he felt disrespected.
“I am extremely grateful for the opportunities I have been given over the last five years. Thank you all for listening and supporting me on my journey. Thank you, above all, to the fans who became friends along the way,” Arevalo wrote.
“I do not feel that I was rightly respected, valued, or properly utilized in my time with the organization,” he continued. “In fact, I had to forgo severance because I refused to sign an NDA. I have chosen to retain my dignity and my truth.”
Percussionist Jeff Arevalo of Goose performs live on stage during Ohana Festival at Doheny State Beach on September 30, 2023 in Dana Point, California. (Photo by Jim Bennett/WireImage via Getty Images)WireImage
Arevalo said he will pursue other opportunities where he 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.”
The lineup change comes less than 3 months before Goose is scheduled to play a June 21 concert at CMAC (Constellation Brands - Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center) in Canandaigua, N.Y. Their summer tour will promote their upcoming album, “Everything Must Go,” due April 25.
A replacement for Arevalo has not been named, but Goose played several winter concerts as a quartet without him. The current lineup includes guitarist Rick Mitarotonda, guitarist/keyboardist Peter Anspach, bassist Trevor Weekz and drummer Cotter Ellis, who replaced previous Goose drummer Ben Atkind at the end of 2023.
“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,” Goose said Sunday. “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.”
Arevalo, who played upright bass in the Goose side project Orebolo, said he’s also done with Orebolo. He said he plans to play bass in a new music project and will hold tryouts for guitarists.
Goose formed in Connecticut in 2014 and built a fan following over the past decade with improvisational live performances and a genre-blending indie rock/jam sound. They opened for the Trey Anastasio Band in Syracuse in 2022, and have appeared on “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” “The Tonight Show” and “CBS Saturday Morning.”