Cancer Bats drummer Mike Peters is stepping away from the band’s touring lineup after more than 25 years on the road, with the musician citing his family as the primary reason for the decision.
Peters announced on September 23rd that his upcoming shows with Cancer Bats will be his final performances as the group’s touring drummer for the foreseeable future. While he is leaving the road, he will remain heavily involved with the band behind the scenes, including writing, recording, management and North American booking.
“These next few shows will be my last shows playing drums for @cancerbats. At the end of Sept I will be done touring for the foreseeable future. I’ve had a pretty solid 25 year + run of life on the road. It was amazing but it’s on to a new chapter and adventure. Yes I still will be working with the band behind the scene to help keep this ship moving forward. I will help with writing and recording. I love my brothers Jaye, Liam and Jackie and I love the band. I want the best for them, and right now this is the best move for the band and my family.”
Taking over touring drum duties will be Ian “Ski” Romano, who Peters has known for more than two decades. Romano has performed with Attack In Black, Daniel Romano, Pig Pen, Corrosives and Career Suicide, among other projects.
Peters also pointed to Romano’s existing history with Cancer Bats, noting that the two musicians came up together and crossed paths regularly during the band’s early years.
“Ian Romano has been a friend for over 20 year. We cut our teeth together when the bats would tour with his band Attack in Black. He also currently plays in the Daniel Romano outfit, pigpen, corrosives and Career Suicide. He’s a legend and I couldn’t be more stoked that he is the guy taking over for me.”
Romano has already contributed to Cancer Bats’ recorded material, having handled all of the vocals on ‘Give Me Dirt’ as well as the band’s latest Bat Sabbath EP.
For Peters, stepping away from touring ultimately comes down to being present for his two young children after spending more than two decades traveling the world with Cancer Bats.
“But I have two young kids at home that I need to be home for. I helped create them so I should be at home to help raise them into good responsible citizens of the world. It’s a whole new adventure and I’m excited for it.”
Despite leaving the road, Peters made it clear that his relationship with Cancer Bats is far from over. Along with continuing to contribute creatively, he will help manage the band and serve as its North American booking agent.
“I still plan to work behind the scenes with the Bats managing the band, and working as the booking agent for North America. I love this band and my brothers Liam, Jaye and Jackie. I want the best for them and I want them to continue to do what they love and what they are great at.”
Peters also expressed his pride in the band’s latest album, ‘Give Me Dirt’, and his belief that Cancer Bats still have plenty of music ahead of them.
“I truly believe that Give Me Dirt is the best album we’ve ever made. I’m super proud of it, and I think this band still has a lot of life left in it!! So it’s time for a change so they can carry on in a healthy positive way!!”
While Peters is closing the touring chapter of his time with Cancer Bats, he will remain part of the band’s creative and business operations, with Romano now taking his place on the road.
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