Spafford: Cameron LaForest, Jordan Fairless, Brian Moss, Andrew “Red” Johnson (l-r)


On the evening of April 16, jam quartet Spafford announced the departure of drummer Cameron LaForest, who will be replaced by former drummer Nick Tkachyk.

“Spafford and Cameron LaForest have decided to go their separate ways. We will cherish the memories we shared and we wish him our very best in the future,” the band wrote.

LaForest joined Spafford in 2017, replacing Tkachyk who was in the band from 2011-2017. LaForest saw the group through the release of their 2017 improvisational EP Abaculus, the live release Taste of Fall 2017 and the 2018 studio LP For Amusement Only.

“After his 2 year hiatus, Nick is resuming his position on the throne and is back to bring the heat! Our first gig with him will be the late night Jazz Fest show,” Spafford’s April 16 statement ended.

The following day, in an exclusive follow-up statement, guitarist Brian Moss spoke on behalf of the band and characterized the split with LaForest as “amicable.”

“We have nothing but love and respect for our brother, Cam. The band has had an amazing journey together the past two years and we wish him the very best in the future,” Moss said. “He is an amazing individual through and through and we all plan to remain the close friends we are. He will always be part of our family.”

Moss also shed some light on the original reason for Tkachyk’s departure.

“We are welcoming our founding member, Nick, back into the band with open arms. His departure in ‘17 was unexpected for us, but necessary for his personal growth,” Moss explained. “Since then we have revived our long-term relationship and have all agreed that this is the best option for Spafford. All is well, we are in good hands. We want to thank our fans for their continued support and patience in these times.”

Spafford will continue on with their scheduled summer tour dates, with stops at major festivals like Summer Camp, Electric Forest, Camp Bisco and Great South Bay as well as a highly-anticipated two-night afterparty for Phish’s July 5-6 run at Fenway Park.

Cameron La Forest has yet to release a statement of his own. This story is still developing.

For more information about Spafford visit their official website.

Check out the band’s upcoming tour dates below:

Spafford Summer Tour
 May 4 – New Orleans, LA – Civic Theatre
May 22 – Minneapolis, MN – Fine Line Music Cafe
May 23, 24 – Chillicothe, IL – Summer Camp Music Festival
May 25 – Milwaukee, WI – Turner Hall Ballroom
June 21 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre w/ Umphrey’s McGee
June 22 – Stratford, CT – Two Roads Brewing Co.
June 27 – Rothbury, MI – Electric Forest
July 5,6 – Cambridge, MA – The Sinclair – Phish Late Night
July 7 – Salisbury, MA – Blue Ocean Music Hall
July 11 – Asbury Park, NJ – Stone Pony
July 13 – Westerly, RI – Paddy’s Beach Club
July 17 – Dewey Beach, DE – Bottle & Cork
July 19 – Scranton, PA – Camp Bisco Music Festival
July 20 – Patchogue, NY – Great South Bay Music Festival
Aug. 3 – Darrington, WA – Summer Meltdown Festival