Torry Castellano officially retired this week from her 17-year reign as drummer for The Donnas. This will be the first lineup change the band has seen in FOREVER.

Tragic, man. First of all – Torry kicked ass live. She brought so much heart and character to the stage every night, and was Queen of the drums. Little and mighty, I never saw Torry give less than 110%. Secondly, she’s a nice gal, always willing to chat and meet people at shows. Third – and to reiterate – The Donnas are made up of a bunch of friends who started playing together when they were kids! They got made fun of in school for being in a band and being different, and then BAM! They were on MTV, delving into the Cali punk scene in the early-mid 90s. With a different drummer it’s just not the same.

Torry expressed her sentiments in an open letter / official resignation:

Hey All,

This is a very difficult message for me to write. As many of you already know, I’ve been dealing with a painful shoulder injury for the last 2 years and I have had to take time off from playing the drums. I have tried numerous different therapies, including physical therapy, sometimes up to 3 times a week, trigger point shots, exercises, and rest, but none of them have gotten me to a place where I can play again. Unfortunately, unlike when I had my wrist problems, there is no specific surgery that can help with my shoulder.

As I am still in pain, my doctors have come to the conclusion that I cannot play the drums anymore because if I continue I will be in pain for the rest of my life. After much thought and many conversations with the other girls I have decided I have to retire. My retirement has brought me a lot of sadness because I love playing the drums and being a part of the Donnas’ family, which of course includes all of you. I’ve loved all the experiences that we’ve had together and I really want to thank all of you for your support and the fun times. Even though I can’t play anymore, I would never want the other girls to have to give up something that they love and I know that they will continue to make and play great rock ‘n roll.

I’ve had to think about what I’m going to do now. While I have been resting my shoulder, I’ve been taking some classes and doing this has really helped me to have something to put my energies into. I’ve decided to continue with this, and I will be starting Stanford University in the fall. I know that I’ll miss living near the other girls, but I’ll be seeing them and the rest of you at their future Bay Area shows. No matter what, I will always be a Donna and be a part of the Donnas’ family. I know you guys will continue to support the band and I’ll be there too, as the #1 Donnaholic.

Love,
Torry

There you have it – wrists and shoulders and pain. Sadness abounds for Donnaholics everywhere.

We’ll miss you, Torry! Good luck in the future (And for the record – you always were my favorite Donna)!

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