New Pornographers Drummer Joseph Seiders Arrested for Child Pornography Possession -

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Joseph Seiders, longtime drummer for Canadian indie-rock band the New Pornographers, has been arrested in California on multiple charges, including possession of child pornography. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office announced his arrest in a press release on Thursday, confirming the 43-year-old musician was taken into custody on April 9 following two separate reports of suspicious behavior at a Palm Desert business.

According to authorities, the first incident occurred on April 7 when an 11-year-old boy told police an older man had filmed him in the restroom. Two days later, an employee at the same business reported seeing a man repeatedly entering and exiting the bathroom with underage boys. Based on these accounts, deputies launched an investigation that led to Seiders’ arrest at the scene.

Search warrants were executed on Joseph Seiders’ home, vehicle, and cellphone. Investigators say they uncovered evidence linking Seiders to the two reported incidents, along with additional material confirming possession of child pornography. He was booked at the John J. Benoit Detention Center in Indio on multiple charges, including possession of child pornography, annoying or molesting a child, invasion of privacy, and attempted invasion of privacy.

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Seiders’ bail has been set at $1 million. He is scheduled to appear in court on April 22. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are asking anyone with information to come forward.

Following the news of Seiders’ arrest, the New Pornographers issued a public statement: “Everyone in the band is shocked, horrified, and devastated by the news of the charges against Joseph Seiders, and we have immediately severed all ties with him. Our hearts go out to everyone who is impacted by his actions.”

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Joseph Seiders joined the band in 2014, replacing longtime drummer Kurt Dahle. The New Pornographers, formed in Vancouver in 1997, are one of Canada’s most acclaimed indie-rock acts, known for their energetic sound and rotating lineup of musicians. Over their career, they’ve released nine studio albums, including their most recent, Continue as a Guest, in 2023.

The charges against Seiders have sent shockwaves through the indie music community, with fans and fellow musicians expressing disbelief and condemnation across social media.