Superchunk Drummer Jon Wurster Leaves Band

Jon Wurster is leaving Superchunk. The band’s longtime drummer took to Instagram to share the news, where he posted an image of “The Shirt” along with a caption detailing his departure.

“After much soul-searching, I have decided to fade back from my role as Director of Percussive Research at Superchunk Industries,” he wrote. “It’s been a very productive 31 years, but my heart just isn’t in it anymore. I will most likely don The Shirt on special occasions, but unless otherwise noted, my office will be occupied by a more than capable to-be-named DoPR.” Find the full statement below.

Superchunk formed in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, in 1989. The group—then composed of vocalist Mac McCaughan, bassist Laura Ballance, guitarist Jack McCook, and drummer Chuck Garrison—released their self-titled debut album in 1990. The album was followed by No Pocky for Kitty, their Steve Albini-produced second LP, in 1991. Garrison departed from the group just before the album’s release, with Wurster joining the band in his absence.

Wurster appeared on the band’s 1993 album On the Mouth (which turns 30 on February 10) and has played on every studio album they’ve released since. He’s also played with the Mountain Goats and Hüsker Dü’s Bob Mould, and contributes to a long-running radio series called The Best Show on WFMU.

Jon Wurster:

Friends,

After much soul-searching, I have decided to fade back from my role as Director of Percussive Research at Superchunk Industries. It’s been a very productive thirty-one years but my heart just isn’t in it anymore. I will most likely don The Shirt on special occasions, but unless otherwise noted, my office will be occupied by a more than capable, to-be-named DoPR. The immensely talented @lkbroiler will be behind the kit one week from tonight at the Carolina Hurricanes Fan Fest in Raleigh, NC.

I wish nothing but the best for Mac, Jim and Jason as they continue producing the high quality, live rock music you have come to know and love.

It has been an honor serving you and I’ll rock your faces somewhere down the line.

Jon Wurster
2/10/23