Jeff “Oly” Olson Leaves The Skull
I’ll admit, I’m pretty surprised to read that drummer Jeff “Oly” Olson has left his post in The Skull, the band that reunited him with his former Trouble bandmates, vocalist Eric Wager and bassist Ron Holzner. Not just for the revived camaraderie, but also because The Skull are really good. You know what I mean? If The Skull had put out their debut album and it had sucked and they weren’t having any fun, well, then okay. But that’s not the case. The Skull released For Those which are Asleep (review here) last fall on Tee Pee and it was one of 2014’s best doom releases. Olson, Holzner, Wagner and guitarists Lothar Keller and Matt Goldsborough killed it, pulling off not only a classic Trouble vibe, but the start of something of their own as well.
Unfortunate that’s not enough to keep Olson on board. I’m sure the band will find a suitable replacement sound-wise, but Olson‘s also-used-to-be-in-Trouble cred is even harder to come by than doom drummers. Last I heard, he was based in Maine while the rest of the band is in Chicago, so that may have had something to do with it — if you’re looking for a reason — though, and this is just rampant speculation, with the success of the album, they may be looking to tour more throughout this year. Whatever happens, whatever I hear, I’ll let you know.
The brief announcement came through late in the day on Friday:
Original TROUBLE Drummer Jeff “Oly” Olson Departs THE SKULL
Original TROUBLE drummer Jeff “Oly” Olson has decided to leave THE SKULL, the band formed by Olson along side original TROUBLE vocalist Eric Wagner and longtime former TROUBLE bassist Ron Holzner. There is no animosity in the band and it was a friendly departure.
Olson tweeted today… “I loved jamming with @TroubleTheSkull, but it’s time to depart and wish the band all the best! Looking forward to my next chapter…”
www.twitter.com/jeffolyolson
www.facebook.com/jeffolyolson
www.facebook.com/troubletheskull
According to a FB post that the Skull made, Jeff was promoted at Allagash Brewing – the conflict that presents with their touring schedule seems to be the reason. Sucks, but definitely understandable.
Yeah, that would make sense. Thanks for the info.