Source: Bravewords.com

STATUS QUO drummer Matt Letley will leave the band at the end of their current run of gigs. His final show will be at the O2 on Wednesday, December 19th.

Matt Letley

A statement from Matt reads as follows: “It’s been a fantastic journey over the past twelve years or so but I have decided that now is the right time for me to leave Quo and move on to something new. My final show will be at the O2 on Wednesday.

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!

I should like to take this opportunity to thank the guys in the band, our fantastic crew and Simon 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 roll bands in the world. Keep rockin’.”

Status Quo recently announced that original members Francis Rossi, Rick Parfitt, Alan Lancaster and John Coghlan, are reforming for a one-off, never to be repeated series of UK dates in March 2013.

Status Quo manager Simon Porter commented: “People have wanted this announcement to be made for years, and here it is. This is a real moment in the chequered history of Status Quo and it comes after almost 30 years of acrimony, and 10 years of law suits and court battles. Just two years ago the thought of the Frantic Four performing again was unthinkable. Now, 50 years on from when Francis and Alan first performed together as schoolboys, it is fitting that everything has come full circle for these unique one-off shows.”

Tour dates are below:

March
10 – Glasgow, UK – 02 Academy
12 – Manchester, UK – 02 Apollo
13 – Wolverhampton, UK – Civic
15 – London, UK – Hammersmith Apollo
16 – London, UK – Hammersmith Apollo