A fan favorite Oklahoma-based country rock band is losing a key member after “ten mad years.”
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Reid Barber, drummer for the band Southall (formerly Read Southall Band), recently announced his departure to fans on social media.
“After ten mad years, I have decided to step away from touring with Southall,” the musician began in his lengthy March 16 Instagram post.
Barber said he owes “more to this band than I could begin to add up in words,” and that the “unimaginable places it has taken me, the incredible people it introduced me to (including my future wife), the things we made that will outlast us all” are experiences that “have quite literally shaped much of the person that I am and the wonderful life that I have.”
He added that he is “grateful to be stepping away on a positive note, and for the opportunity to leave an impact on the band’s upcoming album, of which I am extremely proud.”
Barber continued by thanking his bandmates, “Read (Southall – lead vocals), JT (Perry – lead guitar), and Jeremee (Knipp – bass) for the greatest adventure I’ve ever been on,” adding, “I would not be who I am without any of you and your friendship.” He also expressed gratitude to “anyone who has supported our dream,” calling the entire experience “a gift.”
“You haven’t heard the last of me. I can’t say what the future holds, but there is music to be made. I look forward to what comes next,” Barber concluded.
Southall Fans Rally Behind Drummer Reid Barber
Of course, fans and friends of the country rock band filled the comments with well-wishes for the departing drummer.
“Way to go out on a high note. You will be missed, my friend!” one comment read. “We’re gonna miss ya. Excited for your next chapter,” a second onlooker wrote.
“Thank you for all of the bangers you were a part of. Will never forget meeting you after the show in Worcester, MA, in 2023,” a devout fan wrote.
Meanwhile, Southall is currently on the road with legendary rock band ZZ Top and country icon Dwight Yoakam for the “Dos Amigos Tour” through May.