Aaron Grech October 31st, 2019 - 6:45 PM
Punk band SWMRS have cancelled their remaining 2019 tour dates, following a van crash that injured band the band’s guitarist Max Becker, along with touring members Natalie Somekh and Josh Berl. According to the band’s drummer, Joey Armstrong, Somekh made it home today, while Berl successfully completed surgery, however Becker is still in the ICU receiving care.
SWMRS were returning from a concert at Uncool Fest last weekend when the group’s vehicle hit a patch of black ice, causing a major accident. Becker, Somekh and Berl were all placed in the ICU following the incident.
“Hey everyone, wanted to give you an update. Josh had a super successful surgery,” Armstrong wrote on social media. “Him and his mom should be home by the weekend. Natalie made it home today too! Max is still in icu with his family. Hopefully soon we get more info. doctors said he is extremely healthy and strong”
he even woke up for a bit and asked for tea, specifically ginger and turmeric. he has a long road ahead of him. a lot of healing and rehab but to no surprise he said “nobody would do rehab as good as I will do it”.
— joey armstrong (@uncoolrecords) October 30, 2019
I am going to take a few days off of social media.
All swmrs fans- thank you so much and once i find out where you can continue to send him letters i will share.
All upcoming uncool records releases, posts and events will be handled by Stove and Jamie. ❤️— joey armstrong (@uncoolrecords) October 30, 2019
Joey Armstrong’s father, Billie Joe Armstrong, the frontman of Green Day sent his condolences following the accident as well. “Sending all my love and positive everything to the SWMRS family,” Billie Joe Armstrong wrote in an Instagram post.
SWMRS was formed in Oakland, California back in 2004 by Armstrong and Backer. Eventually Max Beckers younger brother Cole joined the group, along with Seb Mueller, who serves as the band’s bassist.
The band was touring in support of their recent studio album release Berkeley’s On Fire, which debuted back in March. They also spent much of the first half of the year touring with The Regrettes across North America in support of the new album release.
