Kaiser Chiefs star Nick Hodgson has quit the band after 15 years.
The drummer, backing vocalist and principal song-writer for the indie band anounced the news on Twitter on Tuesday. He wrote:
His bandmates expressed their support for his decision, pointing out there are no hard feelings about his departure.
Lead singer of the Leeds band Ricky Wilson tweeted:
Nick Hodgson has left the Kaiser Chiefs
And bass player Simon Rix wished Hodgson luck:
Hodgson was with the band for six albums in total, including one in their pre-Kaiser Chiefs guise (Parva) and this year's compilation, 'Souvenir: The Singles 2004–2012'.
In 2010, he set up Chewing Gum Records with fellow Kaiser Chiefs member Rix. He has also written songs for Duran Duran and Shirley Bassey, working closely with DJ and producer Mark Ronson.