THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN has announced the amicable departure of rhythm guitarist Jeff Tuttle.

Commented the group in a statement: “Jeff Tuttle has been a valuable member of THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN since the beginning of the ‘Ire Works’ cycle. He started his time with us in mid-2006 in a period of turmoil, and his positivity and team player mentality, his enthusiasm, and his fire onstage, will always be appreciated and will never be forgotten. That being said, for now, as you will read, his future with us is uncertain, but whatever the future holds for our relationship with him, we love him and wish him well and success as a brother who has gone into battle with us for six years, and we hope he enjoys and finds creative fulfillment in film school and his future endeavors.”

Added Tuttle: “To the fans of DILLINGER, and to the multitude of people I’ve met, kicked, guitar-smashed, face riffed, or otherwise touched, I’m writing this to formally announce that as of today I will be taking my departure from THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN.

“The years I’ve spent with this band have been some of the greatest in my life. I’ve seen and done so many things I never thought possible and I will forever be grateful to these memories and to the band that made them possible.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has given me support and encouragement along the way and to express all the gratitude that fills my bones.

“DILLINGER is a beast that cannot be contained and I have no doubts that the band will continue on the road of destruction. I wish them nothing but the best in the years to come.

“Music is in my blood and I will continue making it with OLD GODS and my solo effort, MALO KONJCHE. I will also be taking the opportunity to study film and film production in the fall; something I’ve been deeply passionate about for many years.

“Life may lead me back to the DILLINGER fold in the future, but for now I’ve decided to pursue these creative paths. The past six years have been amazing and I’m lucky to have made it out alive. I’ll never forget the time we shared on stage… the scars won’t let me.”

Stated THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN singer Greg Puciato: “I’d like to take a second to give a personal thank you to Jeff Tuttle, a great musician who became a great friend and who has given THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN his all over the last six years, and who now needs to follow his inner compass as it takes him towards other pursuits.

“This band isn’t always easy to be in, mentally, emotionally, and definitely not physically, and Jeff always stepped up in every situation and crushed anything this animal of a band demanded of him.

“Jeff, it’s been a pleasure having you in the trenches with us, and having you as a friend. You’ve been there through serious shit in my life and been a good ear on tour and a voice of reason whenever I’ve been losing my mind from personal issues, been a partner whenever I’ve decided that I wanted to do some insane 4 a.m. workout in a parking lot, and a fellow eater of breakfast at any time of day. I’m proud to have had you in the band and glad to have shared part of this crazy journey with you. You’ve scarred my mind with some of the most disturbing movies I’ve ever witnessed, and I hope to one day watch one that you make.

“Everyone, give Jeff a round of applause for nearly killing himself onstage with us every night, and for somehow not ever attempting to kill the rest of us… I know we aren’t always easy to deal with.

“Thanks, Jeff.”

THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN‘s latest album, “Option Paralysis”, was re-released last year in a “Paralyzing Edition” exclusively as a digital download. This first-anniversary reissue included four bonus tracks, plus a video in the iTunes version.

“Parasitic Twins” video:

Source: Blabbermouth.net