Death Cab for Cutie guitarist Chris Walla is leaving the band after nearly 20 years as a founding member.
The guitarist for the alt-rock band announced in the Seattle alt-weekly paper, The Stranger, that he was leaving the band after 17 years. He told the publication that his last show will be Sept. 13, at the Rifflandia Festival in Victoria, B.C.
"I will miss being a quarter of this band, and will support whatever course Death Cab for Cutie chooses from here," Walla said. "I am profoundly grateful to Ben, Nick, and Jason, for the experiences that define my adult life. Truly grateful, beyond words. Thank you."
He added: "I am also grateful to, and deeply humbled by, all of our fans. Without you, music would be mere 'content' and nothing could possibly be sadder than that. Thank you all, so dearly."
Walla said deciding to leave the band behind was not an easy decision to make. He added that he will continue "making music" and "producing records."
The band, which includes frontman Ben Gibbard, bassist Nick Harmer and drummer Jason McGerr, recently wrapped the recording of its eighth album. The upcoming album will be the first that Walla did not produce.
Death Cab for Cutie released its own statement on its website, saying, "We've had an incredible 17 years of making music with Chris. We are very proud of what we've accomplished together, including our 8th studio album which we have just put the finishing touches on. We will miss Chris and wish him all the best in the next chapter of his career. We are excited about sharing new music, and seeing all of you very soon."
