After 17 years, and 8 studio albums with Death Cab for Cutie, guitarist Chris Walla has made the difficult decision to leave the band. Although Chris will definitely be missed, the remaining members of the band are excited for him to move on in his career. In a press release via their official website the band had the following to say in regards to Chris’s departure:
“We’ve had an incredible 17 years of making music with Chris. We are very proud of what we have 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.” – Ben, Nick and Jason
Chris will remain a part of Death Cab For Cute as they finish their last few summer festival shows, ending with the Rifflandia Festival in Victoria, British Columbia. For Chris, leaving the band was a rather difficult decision, as he stated in his official announcement of departure:
“Deciding to leave the band was not, and is not, easy. It’s really, really sad. I love my band mates, and I’m proud of what we’ve done, and mercifully, those things don’t change with my departure. Moving forward, my plans are simply to continue making music, producing records, and erring on the side of benevolence and beauty whenever possible. Darkness may find me, but I shall never choose it.”
Death Cab for Cutie stills plans to release their not-yet-named album, produced by Rich Costey, in early 2015.
