The music world moves fast, but jam band drama moves at a breakneck, often confusing speed. One minute you're watching a band climb the ranks of every major festival poster, and the next, a core member is gone. If you've been following the scene, you know that jeff from goose—otherwise known as Jeffrey Arevalo—is no longer with the band. It wasn't just a quiet exit. It was a messy, public, and frankly jarring split that left a lot of fans scratching their heads.
Honestly, it feels like just yesterday Jeff was the "utility man" of the group. He was the guy switching from a massive percussion rig to an upright bass for the acoustic sets, often looking like he was having the time of his life. But in early 2025, the music stopped.
Why Jeff Arevalo Left Goose
The timeline is pretty specific. In February 2025, the band announced that Jeff was taking a hiatus to focus on his mental health. Fans were supportive. People get burnt out, especially with the grueling tour schedules these guys maintain. Jeff even went to an inpatient program in Washington state to work on himself. He was journaling, writing poetry, and trying to find a "limitless future."
Then things got weird.
In March 2025, while Jeff was still away, Goose dropped a bombshell on social media. They didn't just say he was taking a break anymore; they said he was out. Permanently. The band cited "behavior in Jeff's personal life" that didn't align with their core values. They talked about wanting to create a "safe environment."
Jeff didn't take it lying down. He released his own statement shortly after, saying he felt blindsided. According to him, he didn't even get a phone call from his bandmates—he got an email from a lawyer. He also mentioned that he turned down a severance package because he didn't want to sign an NDA. He wanted to keep his "dignity and truth."
The Musical Legacy of Jeff from Goose
It’s easy to get bogged down in the drama, but we shouldn't forget what Jeff actually brought to the table musically. He joined in 2020, right when the band was exploding. Before that, he’d been friends with Rick Mitarotonda since their days at Berklee College of Music.
Jeff wasn't just a "backup" drummer. He was a multi-instrumentalist who filled the gaps. In the studio and on stage, he handled:
- Congas, bongos, and a wild assortment of auxiliary percussion.
- Upright bass (specifically for the side project Orebolo).
- Occasional guitar and backing vocals.
His percussion rig was a beast. We're talking everything from LP Santana Supernatural congas to a 28-inch Paiste gong. He even had a "rubber ducky" on his kit that became a bit of a fan favorite.
What is Orebolo Now?
For many, the biggest casualty of this split wasn't just the main Goose lineup, but Orebolo. Orebolo was the acoustic trio consisting of Rick, Peter Anspach, and Jeff. The name itself was actually a play on Jeff’s last name, Arevalo.
When Goose severed ties with Jeff, Orebolo effectively died. Jeff confirmed this in his response, noting that the project was ending along with his time in the main organization. For fans who loved the stripped-back, harmonized versions of Goose tracks, this was a massive blow. The chemistry between those three was unique. It’s hard to replicate that specific "living room" vibe without the guy whose name the band is literally based on.
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The New Goose Lineup
Since Jeff's departure, Goose has been operating as a quartet. They already had a major shakeup when founding drummer Ben Atkind left in late 2023, replaced by Cotter Ellis. Losing Jeff so soon after was a lot of change for a band that seemed so stable for years.
The current lineup is:
- Rick Mitarotonda (Vocals, Guitar)
- Peter Anspach (Vocals, Keys, Guitar)
- Trevor Weekz (Bass)
- Cotter Ellis (Drums)
They’ve experimented with guest musicians, like Stuart Bogie on flute, but for now, they seem intent on proving they can thrive as a four-piece. They’ve stated they feel "inspired to continue growing as a unit."
What’s Next for Jeff?
Jeff isn't done with music. Not by a long shot. He’s already been talking about his other projects, like Tupelo Conjure and his solo work. He’s expressed a desire to be more involved in the songwriting process and to work in an "equitable environment."
It’s a classic "creative differences" story mixed with personal friction. While the details of the "behavior" mentioned by the band haven't been made public, it’s clear the bridge has been burned.
If you want to keep up with what jeff from goose is doing now, your best bet is following his personal socials under the handle @orebolo87. He seems to be leaning into a more personal, introspective phase of his career. As for Goose, they are pushing forward with their 2026 tour dates and their latest album, Everything Must Go.
To dive deeper into the current state of the band and the aftermath of the split, check out the following resources:
- Follow Jeff's new music updates via his official website.
- Review the official statements from JamBase for the full timeline of the 2025 departure.
- Listen to Everything Must Go to hear Jeff's final recorded contributions to the band's studio catalog.