Mumford & Sons’ Winston Marshall (Jokingly?) Says The Band Broke Up, Adds “F*ck The Banjo”

UPDATE: Mumford & Sons’ press rep contacted us to clarify that “the band is together” and Marshall “was joking except about the part where he talks about catering the party.” So it seems you can hold off on burning your selvage denim in a Viking funeral.

World-conquering old timey folk revivalists Mumford & Sons have apparently broken up. The British band in September announced a major hiatus following their Babel tour, but Vulture on Wednesday (March 26) spoke to the band’s banjo player and backup vocalist Winston Marshall, who made it clear that they were calling it quits. “I wish I had something to say about Mumford & Sons. It was a good time,” he said. “It’s over… We had a good time, though, you know. It was good.”

It seems to be on amicable terms, as Marshall indicated he likes the idea of a reunion tour (“I dunno, fucking, that would be awesome. But, you know, it is what it is.”). However, there is plenty of bitterness — not between the members, but between Marshall and the instrument they rode to fame. When asked whether the quartet had “killed” the banjo, he responded with virtuosic vitriol: “I think ‘killed’ is an understatement. We murdered it. We let it, yeah — fuck the banjo. I fucking hate the banjo.” And thus, a trend was killed.

So, take a moment to remember the happier, simpler times, then put away your mason jars and suspenders for good.

[via Vulture]

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