Cancer Bats drummer Mike Peters | Off the road

Not every drummer change is a drama. This one is a dad going home.

Mike Peters, Cancer Bats’ long-serving drummer, is stepping back from touring. Not from the band. Just from the van.

If the name is new to you, Cancer Bats are a Toronto punk and hardcore band, going since 2004 and famous for a live show that leaves venues sweating. So why step off the road now? Let’s find out.

Why is Mike Peters stepping back?

His kids. In his own words:

“I have two young kids at home that I need to be home for… It’s a whole new adventure and I’m excited for it.”

Anyone who has toured with a young family at home will get it. Weeks away, missed bedtimes, video calls from car parks. At some point the maths stops working.

Is he leaving Cancer Bats?

No, and that is the nice part. Peters is still writing and recording with the band, so his playing stays on the records.

He is also picking up a new job: he becomes the band’s North American booking agent. So he is still deciding where Cancer Bats play. He just won’t be sat behind the kit when they get there.

Who is the new touring drummer?

Ian “Ski” Romano, of Pig Pen. He is not a stranger being parachuted in, either.

Romano and Peters have been friends for more than 20 years. They met on the road, when Cancer Bats toured with Romano’s old band, Attack in Black. Peters calls him “a legend” and “one of my favourite drummers and humans.”

Handing your stool to a mate you rate that highly? That is about as smooth as a line-up change gets.

Final thoughts

It is rare to see a drummer change with no fallout, no statement from lawyers and no cryptic Instagram posts. Just a bloke choosing school runs over soundchecks, and a friend stepping up.

Peters signs off proud of the band’s latest album, Give Me Dirt, and he should be. It is a strong record to hand over on.

For a year where it felt like everyone changed drummer, this is the gentlest one yet. If you want more punk energy behind the kit, read our features on Travis Barker and Tré Cool.