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

Jam quartet Spafford officially parted ways with drummer Cameron LaForest on April 16, and today LaForest has shared his first statement on the decision.

“The outpouring of support I have received has been incredible and has gotten me through some very tough days,” he tells Jambands.com. “While I was not prepared for the band’s decision, it did make one thing very clear to me: my life’s calling is to be a drummer in a rock band. Starting from the age of three, sitting behind the drums has felt like home to me. It has always been the guiding force in my life. I have faith in my talent and my hard work and I’m excited to see what life’s next adventure will be… I am now a free agent. I will remain optimistic and be on the lookout for new opportunities and for the band that needs a drummer willing to go the distance.”

LaForest will be replaced by former Spafford drummer Nick Tkachyk, who played in the band from 2011-2017. LaForest logged two years in the group, seeing Spafford through the release of their 2017 improvisational EP Abaculus, the live release Taste of Fall 2017 and the 2018 studio LP For Amusement Only.

“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,” guitarist and co-founder Brian Moss said in the days following LaForest’s departure. Moss later added that they are welcoming Tkachyk back into the fold with “open arms,” explaining that “His departure in ‘17 was unexpected for us, but necessary for his personal growth.”

The newest iteration of Spafford – Moss, Tkachyk, bassist Jordan Fairless and keyboardist Andrew “Red” Johnson – will play their first gig on May 4 in New Orleans, with support from The Soul Rebels. Their summer tour will feature gigs at major festivals like Summer Camp, Electric Forest and Camp Bisco, as well as a two-night after-party for Phish’s run at Fenway Park.

For more tickets and more information, visit Spafford’sofficial website.

Read LaForest’s full statement below:

To all my fans and supporters, family and friends,

First, I would like to thank you. The outpouring of support I have received has been incredible and has gotten me through some very tough days. While I was not prepared for the band’s decision, it did make one thing very clear to me: my life’s calling is to be a drummer in a rock band. Starting from the age of three, sitting behind the drums has felt like home to me. It has always been the guiding force in my life. I have faith in my talent and my hard work and I’m excited to see what life’s next adventure will be. For now, I will be woodshedding and keeping my chops in shape on my brand new kit that has not yet been used on stage. I look forward to that day more than anything in the world! I am so grateful for the experiences I had with you all, and the shows that I got to play for the fans will be cherished memories for the rest of my life. My eyes, ears, and heart are open for a new beginning. I can’t wait to get everyone dancing again! I am now a free agent. I will remain optimistic and be on the lookout for new opportunities and for the band that needs a drummer willing to go the distance. I will continue to work on my craft each day and I will remain the positive person who I am today.

All my love and beats,
Cameron
IG: @laforest_gump
Facebook: Cameron Laforest