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The Split: 5 Shocking Facts About Danny Duncan’s Departure From We The Kings And The Confusing Name Game

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The relationship between Danny Duncan and the band We The Kings is one of the most enduring and recently, one of the most talked-about stories in the pop-punk scene. For nearly two decades, Danny Duncan was the powerhouse behind the drum kit, a founding member whose rhythms defined hits like "Check Yes, Juliet." However, as of early 2024, that era officially ended, marking a significant—and for many fans, shocking—shift in the band's lineup and future. This article, updated for December 2025, dives deep into the history, the confusing name mix-up, and the fresh new directions for both the original drummer and the remaining members of We The Kings.

The biggest update is the news that founding drummer Danny Duncan officially parted ways with the band on February 2, 2024. This move has left many fans wondering about the future of the Florida-based pop-punk mainstays as they continue to tour and release new music into 2025. Furthermore, the name "Danny Duncan" often causes massive confusion, as he is not the famous YouTuber prankster who shares the same name, a distinction that is more important now than ever.

Danny Duncan: The Drummer's Biography and Role in We The Kings

The Danny Duncan who helped form We The Kings is a musician, not a prankster. He was an integral part of the group from its inception, a history that dates back to their high school days in Bradenton, Florida.

  • Full Name: Danny Duncan (Musician)
  • Role: Founding Drummer and Percussionist
  • Band Name Origin: The band, including Danny, got its name from the middle school all the members attended: Martha B. King Middle School.
  • Founding Members: Travis Clark (lead vocals/guitar), Hunter Thomsen (lead guitar), Drew Thomsen (bass guitar), and Danny Duncan (drums).
  • Years Active with WTK: 2005–2024 (Parted ways in February 2024).
  • Key Songs: "Check Yes, Juliet," "Say You Like Me," "Sad Song," and "We'll Be A Dream (feat. Demi Lovato)."
  • Awards: Won an MTV Music Award for Most Innovative Music Video of the Year for "Say You Like Me."
  • Gear Endorsements: Long-time relationships with drumming companies like SJC Custom Drums and Zildjian.

The Crucial Name Mix-Up: Danny Duncan (Drummer) vs. Danny Duncan (YouTuber)

For years, fans and casual observers have confused the two prominent figures named Danny Duncan. The simple truth is they are two different people with completely separate careers.

  • Danny Duncan (Drummer): The subject of this article. A professional musician and the former backbone of We The Kings.
  • Daniel "Danny" Lee Duncan (YouTuber): A famous American YouTube personality and prankster known for his comedic videos and merchandise line. His full name is often cited as Daniel Lee Duncan, though some sources offer different names like Gary Winthrope. He is not the one who played drums for We The Kings.

The drummer's departure from the band in 2024 has unfortunately fueled the confusion, as many people assume the split is related to the YouTuber's brand or antics. It is a critical distinction for anyone following the pop-punk music scene.

The Shock of the Split: Danny Duncan Leaves We The Kings in 2024

The news of Danny Duncan's departure in February 2024 sent ripples through the pop-punk community. As a founding member, his presence was foundational to the band’s identity and sound. While the exact, personal reasons for the separation were not immediately detailed by either party, such splits in long-standing bands often involve a combination of factors, including creative differences, the demands of touring, or a desire for new personal projects.

The timing of the announcement came as a surprise, especially as We The Kings continued to maintain a strong presence on the road and in the studio. For nearly 20 years, Danny Duncan, alongside lead vocalist Travis Clark and guitarist Hunter Thomsen, had been the core creative unit. His powerful drumming style was a signature element of their early, high-energy albums, and his absence marks the end of an era for the group that started as friends in Bradenton.

We The Kings: Moving Forward and New Music in 2025

Despite the significant lineup change, We The Kings has shown no signs of slowing down. The remaining members—primarily Travis Clark, Hunter Thomsen, Charles Trippy (bass), and Coley O’Toole (keyboard)—have maintained an aggressive schedule, proving that the band’s legacy and future are still bright.

The band has continued to release fresh material and announce new performances, demonstrating their commitment to their fans and the pop-punk genre:

  • New Music: We The Kings released the single "Are You Here" in early 2025, following up on their 2024 release, "A Whole New Sound." This indicates an ongoing commitment to producing new albums and songs post-split.
  • Touring and Festivals: The band remains a staple on the concert circuit, with dates announced well into 2025 and 2026. They are scheduled to perform at major festivals, cementing their status as a live act.
  • The Current Lineup: While the band has not officially announced a permanent new drummer to replace Duncan, the current lineup continues to tour and record, with session or touring drummers filling the role.
  • The Core: The songwriting and vocal heart of the band, Travis Clark, remains at the helm, ensuring the signature We The Kings sound remains intact for their loyal fanbase.

What's Next for Danny Duncan (The Drummer)?

Following his departure from We The Kings, the focus for Danny Duncan has shifted. While he has not yet announced a new full-time band or major solo project as of late 2025, a musician of his caliber is not expected to stay quiet for long.

His deep ties to the drumming community, including his long-standing endorsements with premier gear manufacturers like SJC Drums and Zildjian, suggest he will continue to be active in the music industry. Fans should look for him to potentially pursue:

Studio and Session Work: With his experience, Danny is a highly sought-after session drummer, lending his talents to other artists across various genres, much like his past work with artists like Tauren Wells and Michael W. Smith.

Drum Clinics and Education: Given his technical skill and history of working with drumming brands, he may focus on educational content, drum clinics, or online tutorials, sharing his knowledge with the next generation of pop-punk and rock drummers.

A New Musical Project: It is highly probable that Duncan will eventually join or form a new band. A drummer with his foundational role in a successful band like We The Kings has the network and talent to launch an exciting new venture, perhaps exploring a different side of the rock or pop genre. The music world is eagerly awaiting his next move.

The separation of Danny Duncan from We The Kings closes a major chapter in the band's history. While the band continues its journey into 2025 with new music and an active tour schedule, Duncan’s legacy as a founding member and the beat behind their biggest hits remains undeniable. The story now becomes a dual narrative: the evolution of a classic pop-punk band and the exciting, yet-to-be-revealed future of a respected drummer.

danny duncan we the kings
danny duncan we the kings

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