Interpol has announced that Urian Hackney will join them as live drummer for their upcoming tour dates, as Sam Fogarino continues to recover from health issues. The band also teased new music coming soon, with Fogarino contributing to its creation. The tour kicks off this weekend in Miami.
Interpol, the New York City band, revealed on March 5 via Instagram that Urian Hackney will handle drumming duties on their forthcoming tours. This comes as longtime drummer Sam Fogarino remains sidelined due to ongoing health concerns following spinal surgery in 2023. Fogarino, who joined the group in 2000, successfully recovered from the procedure but has cited continued issues preventing his return to live performances. Previously, Chris Broome filled in during Fogarino's absences.
The band expressed enthusiasm for Hackney, stating: “In the meantime, we are honoured to inform you that we will be sharing the stage with Urian Hackney on drums. Look him up. He’s amazing.” Hackney, responding in the comments, wrote: “Will do my best to honour brother [Fogarino] on the kit!” He is known for forming the punk band Rough Francis with his brothers Bobby Jr. and Julian in 2008, and has performed with The Armed, Iggy Pop, Trash Talk, and Converge.
Interpol also shared that new music is “coming soon,” with Fogarino having played on and co-written the material despite his touring limitations. This will mark their first album since 2022’s The Other Side of Make-Believe. In interviews, frontman Paul Banks described progress positively: “Pretty great, to be honest with you. I’m pretty pumped about the stuff that we have worked on so far... With this [next] record, we’re getting back to writing together in a room and my favourite tracks so far are quite high energy.” Guitarist Daniel Kessler added in July 2024 that the album is “very far along,” set for release next year, featuring “upbeat tracks” and “different atmospherics,” recorded in New York with a “winter-time New York feel.”
The tour begins March 7 in Miami, covering North and South America through April, including Coachella’s second weekend. Further dates include supporting Deftones in Australia and New Zealand in May, European shows in July and August with slots alongside My Chemical Romance, and a co-headline run with Bloc Party in the UK and Europe from November to December.