Cancer Bats drummer Mike Peters has announced his decision to step down from touring with the band to focus on his family life, as per theprp. In a statement issued on September 23, Peters clarified that while he is stepping away from the road — with Ian Ski Romano of Pig Pen stepping in as his touring replacement — he will remain an active member of the group. Peters plans to continue contributing creatively to songwriting and recording sessions, while also taking on an expanded behind-the-scenes role overseeing the band’s management and booking operations moving forward.
Hey all. These next few shows will be my last shows playing drums for @cancerbats At the end of Sept I will be done touring for the foreseeable future. I’ve had a pretty solid 25 year + run of life on the road. It was amazing but it’s on to a new chapter and adventure. Yes I still will be working with the band behind the scene to help keep this ship moving forward. I will help with writing and recording. I love my brothers Jaye, Liam and Jackie and I love the band. I want the best for them, and right now this is the best move for the band and my family.
I’m honoured and excited to have @ian_ski_romano stepping in to fill my seat. He’s a ripper and a great dude!! I can’t wait to see the bats with him playing. I love this world wide community we have in punk , hardcore and metal. It’s an amazing this and I’m so fortunate that i found it when I was 13 years old and I was able to see it happening all over the world while playing music with some of my best friends. It’s brilliant and I so grateful to a part of it and to have made so many amazing friends from it. What a beautiful thing we have.
Much love everyone.
Thanks for the great times!!!
Peters also stated this:
Well folks. The time has finally come. It’s time for me to hang up the touring life and step down as the touring drummer of Cancer Bats. I’ve had the amazing opportunity to travel all over the world playing music for people, meeting rad people, and seeing and experiencing incredible places. It’s been an amazing adventure, one that I’ve truly loved. I am so fortunate to be a part of this beautiful world wide community we call punk and hardcore. But I have two young kids at home that I need to be home for. I helped create them so I should be at home to help raise them into good responsible citizens of the world. It’s a whole new adventure and I’m excited for it.
I’m also excited to announce that one of my favourite drummers and humans is going to be taking over for me. Ian Romano has been a friend for over 20year. We cut our teeth together when the bats would tour with his band Attack in Black. He also currently plays in the Daniel Romano outfit, pigpen, corrosives and. Career suicide. Luckily he doesn’t have kids so he has time for it all. He also recorded all the vocals on Give Me Dirt and the latest Bat Sabbath ep. He’s a legend and I couldn’t be more stoked that he is the guy taking over for me.
I still plan to work behind the scenes with the Bats Managing the band, and working as the booking agent for North America. I love this band and my brothers Liam, Jaye and Jackie. I want the best for them and I want them to continue to do what they love and what they are great at. I truly believe that Give Me Dirt is the best album we’ve ever made. I’m super proud of it, and I think this band still has a lot of life left in it!! So it’s time for a change so they can carry on in a healthy positive way!!
Thanks for reading all this way and LONG LIVE THE BATS!!