Photo Credit: Juliana Bernstein
Goose have announced that percussionist Jeff Arevalo is no longer a member of the band. The band made its lineup change known with an announcement posted to its social channels that sheds some light on the shift, most notably that Arevalo’s departure was decided by the group to uphold “the values that define our community.” This definitive update follows Arevalo’s announcement in early February that he would take a hiatus from touring and alludes to the possibility of the band proceeding as a quartet.
“We have been made aware of behavior in Jeff’s personal life that does not align with the band’s core values,” Goose’s coauthored statement reveals. “As a result, Jeff will no longer be a part of the Goose organization.
“This is an incredibly unfortunate, unexpected situation, and we did not anticipate having to make another painful change to the band. However, it is clear that this is the only way forward as we remain committed to upholding the values that define our community, particularly when it comes to respecting others and creating a safe environment.
“This past tour was an unexpected challenge to navigate, but through it all, the four of us forged a deeper connection on and off stage. We’re feeling inspired to continue growing as a unit as we move into this next chapter, and are deeply grateful for everyone with us on this journey.”
News of Arevalo’s permanent exit from Goose comes nearly two months after the artist originally announced that he would not be participating in the band’s Spring Tour “to focus on my mental health and personal issues.” Then, the artist expressed that his absence from the band’s first live shows of 2025 was his choice, writing, “As much as I love making music and being on stage, I’ve come to realize that in order to continue giving my best to loved ones, to the band and to all of you, I need to take this time to reset, heal and prioritize my well-being.”
Remaining members Rick Mitarotonda, Peter Anspach, Trevor Weekz and Cotter Ellis issued their own collective statement in February: “Everyone’s well-being is the most important thing right now. We are grateful for the community’s understanding as Jeff takes time for himself. We appreciate the support and ask that you respect his privacy.”
Since Arevalo’s exit from the stage, the band performed eight headline shows as a quartet, exploring and honing a new formation. On March 11, the band found a fifth voice in Stuart Bogie, who added flute to the group’s fully-improvised set at Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy. At this time, it is unclear whether Goose will continue as a quartet or introduce a new member, though the sentiment of overcoming an “unexpected challenge” seems to suggest the former. The band will return to the stage on April 24 for a landmark booking at New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.
See Goose’s statement below, and stay tuned for updates on the band’s future.
