The Offspring Split The Atom And Bring In New Drummer
Friday August 10, 2007 @ 06:00 PM
By: ChartAttack.com Staff

The Offspring

The Offspring have parted ways with drummer Atom Willard and replaced him with Pete Parada, who has previously played with Alkaline Trio, Saves The Day and Face To Face.

According to the band's website, Parada will make his debut with the group at Japan's Summer Sonic festival this weekend.

"Atom Willard is now focusing full time on his band, Angels & Airwaves, and remains a friend of the band," The Offspring said in a statement.

Both Willard (who joined the band in October 2003) and lead singer Dexter Holland issued this statement addressing the personnel change:

"The simple truth is that Atom had been working on a few of his own projects during our down time, including Angels & Airwaves but other things too. We think that's great. Unfortunately, in order for him to see those things through he isn't left with enough time to devote to future Offspring stuff. It was a tough choice, but we understand."

Neither Parada nor Willard, who previously performed in Rocket From The Crypt, appear on the group's forthcoming and still untitled album, as Josh Freese has been laying down all the drum tracks for the Bob Rock-produced record.

The album will be the band's first studio effort since 2003's Splinter. A greatest hits set was released in 2005.

—Jason MacNeil