John Tempesta Exits The Cult After 20 Years Behind the Kit

John Tempesta is done with The Cult. The drummer announced on Instagram that his 20-year run with the band is over, telling fans his chapter had come to an end and that he was looking forward to getting back out there playing music. He signed off with a nod to 2027 and wished the rest of the group all the best.

Tempesta joined in 2006 and drummed on three of the band's albums: Born Into This in 2007, Choice of Weapon in 2012 and Hidden City in 2016. He sat out 2022's Under the Midnight Sun on record but stayed in the lineup and kept playing live with the band. Before The Cult, he logged time in White Zombie, Testament and Exodus.

His exit leaves a hole the band hasn't addressed yet. The Cult have not put out their own statement and have not named a replacement. They wrapped touring in late 2025 and are booked to support A Perfect Circle on a 2027 North American run, with tickets already on sale.

In his farewell, Tempesta thanked the fans who stuck with him across two decades of shows and said their support meant a lot to him. For now, he's the one making the announcement — and the drummer's stool is empty.