Derek Grant Replaced: Alkaline Trio Reveals Identity of New Drummer

Alkaline Trio officially replaced Derek Grant and tapped a musician to become its new drummer.

The Matt Skiba-led band bid goodbye to Grant who served as its drummer for 22 years, on Tuesday through an Instagram post. His departure vacated the position, but the band immediately found the perfect replacement a few days later.

Alkaline Trio Reveals Derek Grant Replacement

On Alkaline Trio's official Twitter page, the band uploaded a black-and-white photo of its new drummer to welcome him to the group.

The new drummer has been identified as veteran Atom Willard, who has been dominating alternative and punk rock music since the 1990s. Under the post, fans expressed their excitement as they revealed that they predicted the development days before the announcement.

One fan shared the post he wrote earlier this month, in which he predicted that Willard would replace Grant as Alkaline Trio's new drummer.

"Calling it now: Atom Willard is gonna be the new drummer for Alkaline Trio," the post read. "It makes so much sense."

Willard started his career as a member of Rocket From the Crypt and became part of its six studio albums until he last appeared in "Cut Carefully and Play Loud" in 1999.

A few years later, he joined The Special Goodness and played in the album "Land Air Sea" before joining Hole's Melissa Auf Der Maur to create her self-titled solo album in 2004.

Alkaline Trio's new drummer also spent several years with The Offspring to work on the band's studio albums, last appearing in "Love: Part Two" in 2011.

Willard also worked with Danko Jones, Against Me!, and Laura Jane Grace before officially embarking on his journey with Alkaline Trio.

Why Did Derek Grant Leave Alkaline Trio?

Grant's exit happened before the band starts its summer tour at Chicago's Wrigley Field on June 21, shocking Alkaline Trio's fans.

He shared his decision through a statement, citing the difficult demands and mental health concerns as the driving forces behind his exit.

"I want to thank everyone who's supported the band. Alkaline Trio has the best fans in the world - many of whom I've gotten to know over the years," he went on. "I'll miss seeing you all. I also want to thank Blair Dickerson for being a true friend and a great manager."