ArtistDirect News
Modest Mouse Removes Guitarist Simon OConnor from Upcoming Tour Amid Allegations of Inappropriate Messages to Minor
Modest Mouse has pulled guitarist Simon O’Connor from its North American tour after a 17‑year‑old fan accused the 42‑year‑old of sending sexually explicit and racially charged images via Instagram Direct Messages.
The fan posted screenshots of the exchange to the r/ModestMouse subreddit. It began when O’Connor sent a meme of a naked, dark‑skinned male body‑builder, the private parts obscured by a smiley‑face sticker. The fan replied that she was not the intended recipient and suspected a hack. O’Connor’s next messages included a bikini photo and a reference to a “party night.” He later apologized, claiming he had mistaken a longtime prankster for the fan and had unsent the messages.
O’Connor joined Modest Mouse in 2021 and played on the band’s eighth studio album, An Eraser and a Maze, released in June 2026. The group’s lineup has shifted often, with Isaac Brock remaining the sole constant member. In response to the allegations, the band posted a terse statement on social media: “Simon O’Connor will not be joining us on the upcoming tour.” It added that guitarist Seth Jabour of Les Savy Fav would replace him.
Jabour, who has performed with Les Savy Fav since 2015, brings a blend of art‑punk and post‑hardcore sensibilities to the stage. His addition keeps the tour’s musical integrity intact.
The tour schedule, which begins in Ojai, California, on August 7 and runs through January 18, 2027, remains largely unchanged. Key dates include a stop at New York City’s The Rooftop at Pier 17 on October 8. Modest Mouse’s official statement reiterated, “We look forward to being out there with you all.”
It is unclear whether O’Connor’s removal is permanent. The announcement did not address a long‑term departure, and no further statements have been issued regarding contractual matters or future touring plans.
The incident has spotlighted the broader issue of artists’ conduct on social media. While Modest Mouse’s swift action aligns with industry norms for handling allegations involving minors, the band has not disclosed the details of its internal review process.
In the weeks after the announcement, the band’s social‑media accounts have focused on tour dates and merchandise, offering no additional commentary on the allegations. Fans and industry observers continue to monitor the situation.
As the tour proceeds, Modest Mouse’s primary focus appears to be maintaining its performance schedule. The replacement of O’Connor with Jabour is the only confirmed change to the touring lineup.
The current status is that Simon O’Connor will not perform on the upcoming tour, and Seth Jabour will take his place. Modest Mouse will continue its scheduled shows through January 18, 2027, with no further public statements about the guitarist’s future with the band.
The fan posted screenshots of the exchange to the r/ModestMouse subreddit. It began when O’Connor sent a meme of a naked, dark‑skinned male body‑builder, the private parts obscured by a smiley‑face sticker. The fan replied that she was not the intended recipient and suspected a hack. O’Connor’s next messages included a bikini photo and a reference to a “party night.” He later apologized, claiming he had mistaken a longtime prankster for the fan and had unsent the messages.
O’Connor joined Modest Mouse in 2021 and played on the band’s eighth studio album, An Eraser and a Maze, released in June 2026. The group’s lineup has shifted often, with Isaac Brock remaining the sole constant member. In response to the allegations, the band posted a terse statement on social media: “Simon O’Connor will not be joining us on the upcoming tour.” It added that guitarist Seth Jabour of Les Savy Fav would replace him.
Jabour, who has performed with Les Savy Fav since 2015, brings a blend of art‑punk and post‑hardcore sensibilities to the stage. His addition keeps the tour’s musical integrity intact.
The tour schedule, which begins in Ojai, California, on August 7 and runs through January 18, 2027, remains largely unchanged. Key dates include a stop at New York City’s The Rooftop at Pier 17 on October 8. Modest Mouse’s official statement reiterated, “We look forward to being out there with you all.”
It is unclear whether O’Connor’s removal is permanent. The announcement did not address a long‑term departure, and no further statements have been issued regarding contractual matters or future touring plans.
The incident has spotlighted the broader issue of artists’ conduct on social media. While Modest Mouse’s swift action aligns with industry norms for handling allegations involving minors, the band has not disclosed the details of its internal review process.
In the weeks after the announcement, the band’s social‑media accounts have focused on tour dates and merchandise, offering no additional commentary on the allegations. Fans and industry observers continue to monitor the situation.
As the tour proceeds, Modest Mouse’s primary focus appears to be maintaining its performance schedule. The replacement of O’Connor with Jabour is the only confirmed change to the touring lineup.
The current status is that Simon O’Connor will not perform on the upcoming tour, and Seth Jabour will take his place. Modest Mouse will continue its scheduled shows through January 18, 2027, with no further public statements about the guitarist’s future with the band.