Joining the post-rock group Sigur Rós in 1999, Orri Páll Dýrason assumed the role of drummer shortly after the band completed their studio album Ágætis byrjun. He replaced the outgoing member Ágúst Ævar Gunnarsson and remained a central part of the ensemble for nearly two decades, contributing to five subsequent studio albums until his departure in 2018.
Professional Tenure with Sigur Rós
Throughout his period as the band's drummer, Dýrason participated in the creation of several high-profile records. His studio discography with the group includes the self-titled ( ) album released in 2002, Takk... from 2005, and Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust, which followed in 2008. He further contributed to the 2007 compilation Hvarf/Heim, which featured studio versions of previously unreleased material. His output continued with the 2012 album Valtari and concluded with Kveikur in 2013.
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Beyond his primary function as a percussionist, his technical contribution to the sound of the band involved playing the drum kit, musical keyboards, and various percussion instruments. These performances helped define the sonic landscape of the band, often associated with genres including post-rock, ambient music, and indie pop.
Family and Personal Background
Born in 1977 in Iceland, he is the son of Dýri Guðmundsson, a former footballer who played five times for the Icelandic national team. Dýrason is married to María Lilja Þrastardóttir, a journalist and feminist activist based in Iceland, and the couple has lived in London. He has a daughter named Vaka, who served as the namesake for the first track on the ( ) album. His other children include his sons Dýri Angantýr, born in January 2010, and Jón Stormur, born in November 2012. He is also the stepfather to Kría, who was born in July 2008.
Departure from the Ensemble
In September 2018, a fan issued an accusation of sexual assault against Dýrason via the social media platform Instagram. While Dýrason publicly asserted his innocence through a post on Facebook, he simultaneously announced his decision to step down from his position in Sigur Rós, citing the need to address the matter privately and clear his name.
Fast facts
- Born: 1977, Iceland
- Primary Instrument: Drum kit
- Active with Sigur Rós: 1999–2018
- Spouse: María Lilja Þrastardóttir
- Father: Dýri Guðmundsson
Questions readers ask
What years was Orri Páll Dýrason in Sigur Rós?
He was the band's drummer from 1999 until 2018.
Why did he leave the band?
He stepped down in September 2018 following allegations of sexual assault, which he denied.
Achievements
- Instruments: drum kit, musical keyboard and percussion instrument
- Genres: post-rock, ambient music and indie pop
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