Modest Mouse has officially parted ways with guitarist Simon O’Connor ahead of their upcoming North American tour. The band announced the change following allegations that O’Connor sent inappropriate social media messages to a minor. The band shared the update via Instagram on Friday, July 31, confirming that Seth Jabour from Les Savy Fav will fill the guitar position for the duration of the tour.
O’Connor faced backlash in late July after a Reddit user claimed the musician sent them an erotic image and commented on personal photographs while they were 17 years old. The user stated they were 16 when the initial images were captured. This public accusation triggered a swift response from the band regarding the tour roster.
In a subsequent post on the same platform, O’Connor acknowledged the situation but denied predatory intent. He stated that he mistakenly believed the user was a person who had previously created multiple accounts to troll him. He described his actions as a misguided attempt to call out what he perceived as a repeat agitator. He admitted to sending a meme and a sticker as a means of communication before realizing his error and stopping contact.
Modest Mouse has not provided further information regarding O’Connor’s long-term status within the group. Representatives for the band have not offered additional statements beyond the initial tour update. The tour, which follows the June release of their eighth studio album, An Eraser and a Maze, is scheduled to commence on August 4 at the Libbey Bowl in Ojai, California. The run will continue through late October, ending in Sacramento.