Nathan Jerde, the skilled drummer of the early 2000s Chicago-based garage rock band the Ponys, has passed away. The band shared their sadness on Facebook, describing Nathan as an incredible drummer with exceptional artistic talents. They reminisced about their travels around the world, the wonderful meals they shared, and the lifelong friendships they formed. Despite occasional disagreements akin to those between brothers, they emphasized the immense fun they experienced together. No details regarding the cause of his death were disclosed.
Former record labels of the Ponys also expressed their condolences. Matador Records mourned Jerde’s passing, while In the Red Records added, "We’re beyond sad to hear the news of the passing of Nathan Jerde of The Ponys. He was an awesome guy and a fantastic drummer. To say he will be missed is an understatement.”
The Ponys were formed in 2001 by vocalist and guitarist Jered Gummere, initially as a trio including bassist Melissa Elias and Nathan Jerde, who was also playing for the local punk band the Mushuganas at the time. Their lineup expanded to a quartet with the addition of Ian Adams from Happy Supply, who played the organ and guitar. After releasing several singles through local labels Big Neck and Contaminated Records, they signed with the Los Angeles-based In the Red Records. Their debut album, Laced With Romance, was released in 2004, and they toured with bands like the Fall and the Fiery Furnaces to promote it.
While their debut album was a raw mix of garage rock and British Invasion mod-rock, their second album, Celebration Castle, produced by Steve Albini in 2005, drew inspiration from bands like Joy Division and early Sonic Youth. That same year, they released an EP called Another Wound. Subsequent changes in the band saw Ian Adams replaced by Brian Case from 90 Day Men. The Ponys later joined Matador Records and released their third and final studio album, Turn the Lights Out, in 2007. Although the band has been largely inactive, they briefly resurfaced in 2010 with the EP Deathbed + 4 and performed at a one-off reunion show in 2017 at Chicago’s Do Division Street Fest.
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Naomi lives and breathes music. From underground indie artists to global pop icons, she’s always got her ear to the streets.