Everything Music. Everything News. Everything live.

Drummer, Nathan Jerde of The Ponys Has Died

LEFT PHOTO: 2005 Lollapalooza Day 2 Nathan Jerde of the Ponys RIGHT PHOTO: 2005 Lollapalooza Day 2 Nathan Jerde of the Ponys
LEFT PHOTO: John D Shearer/BEI/Shutterstock RIGHT PHOTO: By John D Shearer/BEI/Shutterstock

Nathan Jerde, the talented drummer for the Chicago indie-rock band The Ponys, has passed away, leaving a significant void in the music community he passionately contributed to. Known for his rhythmic precision and vibrant personality, Jerde's sudden departure has deeply impacted his bandmates and fans alike. The band confirmed the sad news on their social media, expressing their grief and solidarity in mourning a beloved member who was not only a colleague but a friend and brother. The heartfelt tribute painted a picture of Jerde as an extraordinary musician with remarkable artistic skills, who was cherished for his joyful spirit and camaraderie within the band.

Throughout his career, Jerde played an influential role in shaping The Ponys’ sound, a band formed in 2001 by Jered Gummere alongside Melissa Elias. This post-grunge act quickly garnered attention with their debut album Laced with Romance, which was released under In the Red Records in 2004. Jerde's rhythmic contributions were key to the band’s unique identity, which mixed garage rock with a mod-rock twist reminiscent of the British Invasion. This debut led to tours with iconic acts like The Fall and The Fiery Furnaces, further cementing their presence in the early 2000s rock scene.

The Ponys continued to evolve their sound, collaborating with renowned producer Steve Albini for their sophomore album, Celebration Castle in 2005. Albini, known for his work with Nirvana and Pixies, helped the band navigate through a more expansive sound landscape, incorporating elements from post-punk influences like Joy Division and Sonic Youth. This album showcased Jerde's versatility as a drummer, emphasizing not just raw power, but also the subtle intricacies of rhythm that drove the band’s songs. His ability to blend forceful backbeats with delicate ghost notes made him a standout in a crowded field of contemporary drummers.

Jerde's journey with The Ponys didn't stop there; the band transitioned to Matador Records for their third album, Turn the Lights Out, in 2007. The album not only showcased the band's dynamic range and matured sound but also reached the No. 39 spot on the Heatseekers Albums chart, demonstrating significant industry acknowledgment. Despite the band's initial disbandment the same year, Jerde's musical journey was far from over. He explored other avenues by joining groups like Mother of Tears and later, Tyler Jon Tyler, proving his dedication and love for music extended beyond The Ponys.

In later years, Jerde's artistic talents found another outlet as he contributed to the artwork for various bands within the indie music scene, including Outer Minds and Mannequin Men. The Ponys had a brief reunion in 2016, reuniting Jerde with his bandmates for live performances that were met with enthusiasm from longtime fans. This reunion, though short-lived, was a reminder of the band's lasting impact and Jerde’s pivotal role in establishing their sound.

Nathan Jerde's passing is deeply felt across the music community. Tributes poured in from former record labels and fellow musicians, emphasizing his exceptional talent and warm character. The consensus is clear: Jerde's influence as both a drummer and an artist left an indelible mark on those who worked with him and adored his work. His legacy lives on through the music he helped create, the lives he touched, and the rhythms that will continue to echo in the hearts of fans worldwide.

Key Takeaways

TOP STORIES

RELATED ARTISTS

Sorry, we couldn't find any posts. Please try a different search.

Related Stories

Spinal Tap Teases New Album, Releases Duet With Sir Elton John

In an unexpected yet exhilarating musical collaboration, the iconic fictional band Spinal Tap has teamed up with the legendary Elton…

Foo Fighters & Nine Inch Nails Swap Drummers

In a notable music industry development, Ilan Rubin has joined the Foo Fighters as a drummer, replacing Josh Freese who…

Ozzy’s Funeral in Photos

Tens of thousands of fans gathered in Birmingham, England on Wednesday afternoon to pay their final respects to Ozzy Osbourne,…

Questions and Controversy about FireAid Funds

The FireAid fundraising initiative, designed to offer support to wildfire victims in Southern California, has come under intense scrutiny. Initially,…

Musician Ozzy Osbourne performs during half-time of the NFL game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Buffalo Bills at SoFi Stadium on September 08, 2022 in Inglewood, California Ozzy Osbourne performs during half-time of the NFL game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Buffalo Bills at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, Los Angeles, California, USA - 08 Sep 2022

How To Livestream Ozzy’s Funeral on Wednesday July 30th

The legendary heavy metal icon, Ozzy Osbourne, is set to be honored with a grand farewell, marking his final journey…

David Gilmour To Release Live Album and IMAX Concert Film

David Gilmour, renowned for his roles as guitarist and vocalist for Pink Floyd, is set to release his latest concert…

Billy Joel live in concert, Hamburg, Germany 1990. // Billy Joel live in concert, Hamburg, Deutschland 1990. Billy Joel Live in Concert - 16 May 1990

Shots Fired: Billy Joel Calls White Album “Half Assed”

Renowned musician Billy Joel recently stirred debate with his candid remarks on The Beatles’ self-titled ninth studio album, commonly known…

Phil Collins Flatly Denies Hospice Rumors

Phil Collins, the legendary musician and former frontman of Genesis, has been the subject of swirling rumors regarding his health,…

Bad Company Tribute Album in the Works

The recently unveiled tribute album, *Can’t Get Enough: A Tribute to Bad Company*, heralds a musical homage to the legendary…