Goose band has officially announced the departure of percussionist Jeff Arevalo, just a month after he revealed plans to step away from touring to prioritize his mental health. This announcement came on March 23, 2025, through a post on the band’s social media channels.
In their statement, Goose said, "We have been made aware of behavior in Jeff’s personal life that does not align with the band’s core values." They added, "This is an incredibly unfortunate, unexpected situation, and we did not anticipate having to make another painful change to the band. However, it is clear that this is the only way forward as we remain committed to upholding the values that define our community, particularly when it comes to respecting others and creating a safe environment." The band did not provide specific details regarding the behavior that led to Arevalo's departure.
Arevalo’s exit from Goose marks a significant moment for the band, as he had been with them since 2020, having joined during their Bingo Tour livestream series. He contributed not only as a percussionist but also occasionally took on roles with guitar and lead vocals for specific tracks, including a cover of The Clash’s "Rock the Casbah." His departure follows the exit of co-founding drummer Ben Atkind in December 2023, who left due to fundamental personal and creative differences after an extended effort to resolve those issues.
The current lineup of Goose now consists of Rick Mitarotonda (guitar/vocals), Peter Anspach (keys/vocals), Trevor Weekz (bass), and Cotter Ellis (drums/vocals). In their statement, the band conveyed a sense of unity: “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. 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.”
There is also an uncertainty about Goose’s immediate future, given that Arevalo’s departure comes with questions about how the band will proceed as a quartet. Recently, on March 11, 2025, the group introduced Stuart Bogie, who added flute to their performance during a fully improvised set at Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy. This development raises the possibility of either continuing as a four-member band or possibly adding a new member.
Arevalo’s earlier announcement about stepping back emphasized the importance of taking time to focus on his personal well-being. He stated, "After much reflection, I’ve made the difficult decision to step away from current touring to focus on my mental health and personal issues. As much as I love making music and being on stage, I’ve come to realize that in order to continue giving my best to loved ones, to the band, and to all of you, I need to take this time to reset, heal and prioritize my well-being. I truly appreciate your understanding and support.” This humility and prioritization of health is a sentiment echoed by his former bandmates as well.
Goose is slated to make their return to the stage for the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on April 24, 2025. Following this monumental event, they will also host the inaugural Viva El Gonzo destination event in San José del Cabo, Mexico, scheduled for May 8 – 10 of the same year.
The mixed feelings surrounding these recent changes underscore the ever-evolving dynamics within the group. With expectations set high following the anticipated release of their new album, notably titled "Everything Must Go," scheduled for next month, the band members seem committed to pushing forward and adapting to their new reality.
Ultimately, while Jeff Arevalo's departure from Goose marks the end of an era, it also presents opportunities for both him and the remaining band members to focus on their respective paths ahead. Goose has indicated a deep commitment to their core values while navigating these changes, emphasizing respect, safety, and community as they adjust to their new configuration.
