When Audio Adrenaline made its comeback in 2012, all fans of the original group knew that Will McGinniss was the sole member of the original, Mark Stuart-led band. He was the bridge between the first incarnation of the group, and the new, Kevin Max-led version 2.0 of the band.
Now, it appears he's the last remaining member of both versions of Audio A, with the announcement that drummer Jared Byers has departed.
Byers, who previously was part of the band Bleach as their drummer, is going to be working with his brother, Milam, at Christian development and relief nonprofit Food for the Hungry. He has been representing the charity on Trip Lee's Rise Tour, and will be doing so when tobyMac hits the road this Spring. He said he has been playing drums "for some friend lately," and will do a few shows with the Peter Furler Band in the next couple of months, keeping the beat at shows in Guatemala and Australia, among other places.
"Changes are hard but so fruitful in the long run," Byers concluded. "Learning more about God's love for myself, and feel so blessed to be a part of His plans."
Byers was part of the reboot of Audio Adrenaline that included McGinniss, lead singer Kevin Max, guitarist Dave Ghazarian (formerly of Superchick) and singer-songwriter Jason Walker, who was on keys and supporting vocals. Walker departed first in 2013, followed by Ghazarian and then Max. Once again, McGinniss is the last man standing.
The current version of Audio Adrenaline features McGinniss on bass, former Abandon vocalist Josh Engler singing, and Dwayne Larring on guitar. No word yet whom the band has selected to replace Byers on drums.
Audio Adrenaline is by no means breaking up or slowing down, though. The band is gearing up for its second Fair Trade Services release, titled S.O.S., this spring, and is also preparing to hit the road for the Newsboys' 40+ city "We Believe... God's Not Dead" Tour, which kicks off Feb. 12 in Fayetteville, N.C.
