Credit: Press

The Vaccines singer Justin Young says exit of Freddie Cowan was “almost a relief”

Wed 17 January 2024 13:47, UK

In an exclusive interview with Far Out, The Vaccines frontman Justin Young addressed the departure of former guitarist Freddie Cowan, explaining why it was “almost a relief” when Cowan officially informed the band of his exit.

Cowan was a founding member of the indie stalwarts in 2010, playing on their first five albums. However, after 12 years with the group, he walked away from The Vaccines in 2022, shortly before work began in Los Angeles on their new record, Pick-Up Full of Pink Carnations.

The guitarist has since shared his debut solo album under the alias of Freddie & The Scenarios, while former touring member Timothy Lanham has stepped up to fill his role in The Vaccines.

The group officially announced Cowan had stepped down in 2023. In a statement, he said: “It hasn’t been easy to come to this decision, but in my heart, I know it’s time to step down from my position in The Vaccines for the foreseeable future.”

Now, speaking with Far Out, Young has revealed that he had anticipated Cowan’s departure for some time and wasn’t shocked when the time came. “Like any relationship, it doesn’t end overnight. We knew for the last couple of years because it was clear that he wasn’t happy,” the singer admitted.

Young added: “We’d all come to terms with the fact that, at some point, that conversation was going to happen, so it was almost a relief when it did.”

He’s also incredibly aware of the difficulties which arise from being in a band, adding, “It’s not always easy, and people don’t always find it easy. And I think you have to really know for certain that it’s what you want to do.”

Additionally, The Vaccines frontman discussed entering the studio in LA without Cowan for the first time, recalling: “The first day was nerve-wracking, but it’s amazing how loss inevitably always leads to coping, growth and discovery. I guess that’s the same with Freddie; we were a bit nervous going in, but it was amazing how quickly it felt normal.”

Pick-Up Full of Pink Carnations is out now via Thirty Tigers, visit here to read the full feature interview with Young.