August 31, 2006 10:26

Hope Of The States confirm split

The band 'walk away as friends'

Hope Of The States have confirmed that they are splitting up.

As previously reported, the band made it clear over the weekend (August 25-27) that their Carling Weekend: Reading and Leeds Festivals slots would be their “last live shows”, casting their future into doubt.

The group have now confirmed that they are calling it a day.

In a joint statement Hope Of The States explained: “We can walk away at this point as friends and be increasingly proud of what we have done. Thank you to everyone for all your support and the incredible times we have shared with our fans and supporters.”

Hope Of The States have released two albums, this year's 'Left' and 2004 debut 'The Lost Riots'.

The band were rocked during the recording of the latter when founding guitarist Jimmi Lawrence committed suicide in January 2004 at the studio, near Bath, where the record was being made.