The Offspring has kicked out drummer Pete Parada for his refusal to get the vaccine.
Parada shared the news with his family and friends on social media on Tuesday. The band has made it clear that the vaccine was mandatory for everyone to return to work. He claims he has a medical consideration for not getting the vaccine – but the band told him not to show up at the studio.
“Given my personal medical history and the side-effect profile of these jabs, my doctor has advised me not to get a shot at this time,” the drummer shared on Instagram. “I caught the virus over a year ago; it was mild for me – so I am confident I’d be able to handle it again.”
“But I’m not so certain I’d survive another post-vaccination round of Guillain-Barre Syndrome, which dates back to my childhood and has evolved to be progressively worse over my lifetime.”
“Since I am unable to comply with what is increasingly becoming an industry mandate – it has recently been decided that I am unsafe to be around, in the studio and on tour. I mention this because you won’t be seeing me at any of these upcoming shows,” Parada adds.
“I have no negative feelings towards my band. They’re doing what they believe is best for them, while I am doing the same. Wishing the entire Offspring family all the best as they get back at it!”
“I’m heartbroken not to be seeing my road community, and I will miss connecting with the fans more than I can express in words.”
Offspring drummer Pete Parada is kicked out of the band for not getting the vaccine. But he says he has a legitimate medical issue, and his doctor has advised against it.
From the Instagram post, It’s unclear if Parada’s removal from the band is permanent. In later comments, Parada suggests moving on from the band and working on different non-Offspring projects to “find a new way forward.”
Offspring has not publicly commented on the removal of Parada as the drummer. “In the meantime, I’m in the midst of launching a project and releasing some music with my daughter, so please stay tuned for that,” Parada told fans.
Parada was with Offspring for 12 years and is the group’s second-longest drummer. He replaced Atom Williard in 2009. The only remaining members from the original Offspring lineup from the ’80s are Dexter Holland and Kevin Wasserman.