Marc Brownstein Discusses The Disco Biscuits’ Allen Aucoin Split on Andy Frasco’s Emergency Podcast

Fans of The Disco Biscuits got an unexpected look behind the scenes recently when bassist Marc Brownstein appeared on Andy Frasco’s podcast for what Frasco called an “emergency” episode. The conversation centered on the band’s recent split with longtime drummer Allen Aucoin.

The four members of The Disco Biscuits had been together for two decades, so the news raised plenty of questions among fans. Speaking with Frasco, Brownstein shared his perspective on how things reached that point. According to Brownstein, the breakup did not come out of nowhere. He said tensions had been building for a while.

“There were creative issues and personal issues,” Brownstein said. “The communication just broke down onstage and offstage.”

One moment during a summer tour stop in Indiana became a turning point. After a set that did not go as planned, the band gathered backstage during set break to talk things through. What began as a conversation about the music escalated into an argument between Aucoin and guitarist Jon Gutwillig.  Brownstein recalled that the exchange quickly became heated, with Aucoin eventually shouting that he hated the band and quitting before storming out. The band finished the tour with Aucoin still playing drums, but the issue remained unresolved. Brownstein said the band expected some kind of follow-up conversation, but communication never really happened.

Eventually the situation shifted to management and lawyers, making it difficult for the band members to work things out directly. Brownstein also addressed speculation about money. He explained that members are paid based on percentages of tour gross rather than fixed salaries. That means pay fluctuates depending on ticket sales and tour expenses.

He also clarified claims that Aucoin had not been paid for certain shows. According to Brownstein, the drummer had been paid for all performances, though some backend revenue such as streaming and merchandise payments can take months to arrive.

“The money that comes in from third parties takes time,” he explained.

Beyond the business side, Brownstein spoke about the emotional difficulty of a breakup inside a long running band.

“It’s your friend that you went to war with,” he said.

Despite the tension, Brownstein emphasized that he does not see Aucoin as a bad person. Instead he described the situation as the painful result of communication breaking down within a group that has spent most of its adult life together. Being in a band for decades can resemble a marriage. Sometimes the relationships evolve and difficult decisions have to be made. Toward the end of the conversation, Frasco offered some simple advice. When the dust settles, reach out and say you love each other.

Brownstein said he hopes that happens.

After more than twenty years together in The Disco Biscuits, he would still like the story to end with friendship.