The New Pornographers fire drummer Joe Seiders after his child pornography arrest
Canadian rock band The New Pornographers have cut ties with their drummer, Joe Seiders after he was arrested on child pornography charges last week.
On April 7th, 2025, police in Palm Beach, California, received a call from an 11-year-old boy who claimed a man had recorded him using the bathroom at a restaurant. Two days after that initial call, employees at the restaurant also reported the behaviour of a man repeatedly entering and exiting the restrooms with young boys. The police arrived on the scene and arrested Seiders, believing him to also be the man reported by the 11-year-old. The drummer was then taken into custody.
After his arrest, the police searched Seiders home, vehicle and cell phone, and found evidence implicating him in the events at the restaurant. They also found evidence of other crimes, including the possession of child pornography.
Currently, Seiber is being held at a Correctional Facility in lieu of paying the $1 million bail that was set. He’s due to appear at the Indio Larson Justice Center on April 22nd.
Responding to this news, the band released a statement. “Everyone in the band is absolutely shocked, horrified and devastated by the news of the charges against Joe Seiders – and we have immediately severed all ties with him,” the band wrote on Instagram
They added, “Our hearts go out to everyone who has been impacted by his actions.”
When The New Pornographers launched in 1997, they were considered a supergroup of sorts, made up of members who had all played with many other acts or in other bands. Drummer Joe Seiders only joined in 2024, coming from the band The Beat Club and a long career as a session musician playing for many other names.
Seiders is yet to comment on his arrest.
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.
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