The rock world lost a really amazing live drummer recently. Paul O’Brien of Nothing More has departed from his rock brothers in search of a life in music behind closed doors and away from the spotlight, according to the band’s Facebook page.
In a message he wrote up for the post, O’Brien stated that depression is very real, and being in the spotlight triggered some major anxiety issues buried deep down inside of him, and it’s just too much of a mental struggle for him to carry on.
O’Brien wrote that is was the hardest decision he has ever made to step down from Nothing More. He said the band has an amazing message and it was an absolute honor to be part of something so much bigger than himself.
Being on the road isn’t for everyone, O’Brien wrote, and he learned through a very real experience playing live in front of thousands of fans that he is one of those individuals. With life on the road he felt that he would never escape. It was something O’Brien has been carrying with him for a long time, and he had to do what was best for him and his future.
O’Brien wanted to thank what he called his brothers for life, Daniel, Mark, Jonny and Will. He said the things they been through, no one can take away from them, and and he loves his bandmates more than words can describe. O’Brien also thanked them for being very supportive through this difficult time and wrote that it means the world to him. “I know without a doubt, you guys will take this thing all the way to the top,” he wrote. O’Brien said he will always remember traveling the globe and seeing amazing things with them during that chapter of his life, and he will always be there for musical brothers and is eternally grateful to have such an opportunity that most could only dream of.
O’Brien thanked all the supporters of Nothing More: the families, crew, friends, bands, label, management and all the fans, “every person who bought a shirt, put us up for the night, fed us, carried our gear, took us on the road, booked a gig…..you’re a massive reason for the success of this band” that he hopes help continue to let his former bandmates achieve the ultimate greatness that he knows that they are capable of.
O’Brien plans to lay low for a while looking for a quiet life out of the spotlight. He said he has found happiness in that before and that he his lucky to have his lady, family and close friends at home to help support him through everything.
O’Brien also stated that music will always be a huge part of his life and he would love to get into some studio for some session drumming. He said that he has always been fascinated by the recording side of things. O’Brien would always like to try his hand at producing and maybe some teaching, but first, he said he needs to get his head on straight and smile again. He closed out his statement, “From the bottom of my heart, thank you all for everything. Much love and respect.”
Nothing More has chosen Pearl artist Ben Anderson to head up the drumming duties for the band’s current Monster Energy Outbreak Tour. Anderson has also drummed for Digital Summer and Letters From The Fire.
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