Sleater-Kinney

Sleater-Kinney issue statement on Janet Weiss' departure

Despite a new album and big tour on the way, Janet Weiss announced her decision to leave Sleater-Kinney this morning. The band has acknowledged her decision in a statement of their own. It reads:

We are saddened by Janet’s decision to leave Sleater-Kinney. It has been an incredible privilege to work with such a talented musician and drummer over the course of so many albums, including The Center Won’t Hold.

We thank her for joining us on this journey many years ago; we will always cherish our friendship and our time together. We wish Janet all the best as she starts a new chapter in her life.

We are so excited for everybody to hear the record, and to see you on the road this fall and beyond.

Love,
Sleater-Kinney

Fans on the band’s Instagram page are not taking the news well, with many especially upset this happened after the tour went on sale. Many are wondering (jokingly?) if Carrie’s Portlandia cast-mate, comedian & drummer Fred Armisen will be asked to take Janet’s place, with others taking out their anger on St. Vincent who produced the new album. In her statement, Janet wrote, “The band is heading in a new direction and it is time for me to move on.”

Sleater-Kinney formed in 1994. Janet Weiss — not actually an original member — joined in 1996 after Carrie Brownstein and Corin Tucker went through three other drummers, including Lora Macfarlane who played on their 1995 self-titled debut and 1996’s Call the Doctor. Janet’s first album was 1997’s Dig Me Out, and she played on every one since including the forthcoming The Center Won’t Hold.

Janet Weiss’ resume also includes the bands Quasi, Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks, and Wild Flag which she played in with Carrie Brownstein (and Mary Timony and Rebecca Cole).