December 17, 2012 22:20
Status Quo drummer Matt Letley quits the band after 12 years Status Quo Tickets
Sticksman will play his last show with the veteran rockers on Wednesday (December 19)
Photo: PA
Status Quo drummer Matt Letley has quit the band after 12 years.
The 51-year-old musician will play his final performance with the group on Wednesday (December 19) at London's O2 Arena. In a statement released on his official website Mattletley.com, he wrote: "It's been a fantastic journey over the past 12 years or so, but I have decided that now is the right time for me to leave Quo and move on to something new. No doubt there will be much conjecture that this is somehow related to the upcoming reunion gigs, but I'd like to assure everyone that it has no bearing on my decision. Indeed, I wish the guys every success with this tour and certainly hope to come along to see one of the shows."
He added: "I should like to take this opportunity to thank the guys in the band, our fantastic crew and (manager) Simon (Porter) and the girls in the office for their friendship and professionalism. Most of all I thank the fans without whom I should not have had the chance to play with one of the best rock and rollbands in the world."
His departure comes just months before the four original members - guitarist Francis Rossi, singer Rick Parfitt, bassist Alan Lancaster, and drummer John Coghlan - reunite for a UK tour next March. He joined the band in 2000 after previous sticksman Jeff Rich quit to spend more time with his family.
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