SWMRS share update on guitarist Max Becker, crew after van accident

October 31, 2019

SWMRS have provided an update following a van accident that put guitarist/vocalist Max Becker and crew in the ICU.

Yesterday, we learned that Becker was in the intensive care unit following an encounter with black ice in Denver. Two touring crew members, Natalie Somekh and Josh Berl, were also injured in the van accident and were receiving treatment as well.

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The crew were set to kick off a handful of dates supporting Matt & Kim this week when they lost control of their van. The band were on the way to Denver with Somekh and Berl, their photographer and sound engineer respectively.

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A post shared by SWMRS (@swmrs) on Oct 29, 2019 at 8:21am PDT

Last night, the band revealed that Josh would be having surgery on a broken arm, but was still in good spirit.

“Just got off the phone with Josh. It was incredible to hear his voice. Tomorrow he is going to have surgery on a broken arm and get some stitches. But he is in high spirits and sends his love to everyone. So thankful.”

Just got off the phone with Josh. It was incredible to hear his voice. Tomorrow he is going to have surgery on a broken arm and get some stitches. But he is in high spirits and sends his love to everyone. So thankful.

— SWMRS (@swmrs) October 30, 2019

This evening, drummer Joey Armstrong took to Twitter to provide an update on Josh, Natalie and Max. You can read his full statement below, which was later posted to SWMRS official account.

“Hey everyone, wanted to give you an update. Josh had a super successful surgery. 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’.

The amount of friends, family, and strangers that have reached out have made me extremely emotional. i am so thankful for the support group that is around max. i am his ultimate robin to his batman. he leads my path.

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.”

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

Matt & Kim will continue their upcoming shows on the 10-year Celebration tour. However, SWMRS will be canceling their remaining shows this year, which included additional stops with tiLLie and the 1975.

SWMRS have a handful of upcoming dates in the U.K. next year, which are still scheduled as of now. You can see those here and the full list of canceled dates below.

Canceled dates:

10/29 – Denver, CO @ The Ogden Theatre *
10/31 – Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory *
11/01 – Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom *
11/02 – Seattle, WA @ Showbox SoDo *

11/04 – Vancouver, BC @ Rickshaw Theatre
11/05 – Eugene, OR @ Sessions Music Hall
11/14 – Tempe, AZ @ ASU 365 Community Union (with tiLLie)
11/27 – Grand Prairie, TX @ The Theatre At Grand Prarie (with the 1975)

* with Matt & Kim

We’re wishing Max, Josh and Natalie a speedy recovery.