Joe Seiders, drummer for Canadian indie rock outfit The New Pornographers since 2014, has been arrested and charged with multiple counts relating to child pornography and voyeurism.
Seiders, 44, was taken into custody on April 9 in Palm Desert, California, after local authorities received two separate reports of disturbing incidents at a Chick-fil-A bathroom. The first involved an 11-year-old boy who alleged Seiders recorded him while using the restroom. Two days later, a restaurant employee reported seeing a man entering and exiting the bathroom with minors.
According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, a subsequent investigation including search warrants linked Seiders to both incidents. Further evidence was also uncovered including the possession of child pornography. Seiders is now facing charges that include possession of child porn, molestation, invasion of privacy, and attempted invasion of privacy. He is currently being held on $1 million bail and is scheduled to appear in court on April 22.
The Sheriff’s Office has since stated the investigation into Seiders is ongoing and that there may be additional victims.
In response to the arrest, The New Pornographers have since released a brief but blunt statement.
“Everyone in the band is absolutely shocked, horrified, and devastated by the news of the charges against Joe Seiders” the statement read. “We have immediately severed all ties with him. Our hearts go out to everyone who has been impacted by his actions.”
Seiders joined The New Pornographers in 2014 following the departure of longtime drummer Kurt Dahle. He performed on their last three studio albums and had been a consistent presence on tour. Prior to that, Seiders had played with a number of high-profile artists, including Neko Case and John Mayer.
The New Pornographers, formed in 1997, have continued to remain a significant name in indie rock. Known for their melodic power-pop arrangements and revolving cast of collaborators, they have spawned hits like ‘Challengers’. Though with this incident, the band is left to reckon with one of the darkest chapters in their long-running history. One that has clearly shattered trust and shaken fans to the core.
