Oh no! Half of the Las Vegas rock band Panic at the Disco–guitarist Ryan Ross and bassist Jon Walker–has decided to split from the group, saying in a statement on the band’s official site that they’ve “creatively evolved in different directions which has compromised what each of us want to personally achieve.” The band is supposed to embark on tour with blink-182 at select dates beginning next month, and those dates–and the band’s third album–are still apparently a go, although who will fill the guitar and bass roles is currently up in the air. The full statement after the jump.
Ryan Ross and Jon Walker will be leaving Panic at the Disco to embark on a musical excursion of their own. Though the four of us have made music together in the past, we’ve creatively evolved in different directions which has compromised what each of us want to personally achieve. Over the years, we have remained close and honest with each other, which helped us to realize that our goals were different and that parting ways is truly what is best for each of us. We are all excited for the future, you should be too.
-Ryan & Jon
Stay posted to the Panic site for updates on Ryan and Jon’s new project, as well as a message from Brendon and Spencer who will continue on as Panic At The Disco. All touring and album plans for Panic will continue as previously announced.
What a bummer; I always thought last year’s Pretty. Odd. deserved a better fate than the one it received. Anyway, the five stages of grief are currently being worked through at the band’s MySpace page.
To Whom It May Concern [Panic At The Disco]
For me? They haven’t been the same since they lost the “!”.
This will rock the bandom community. I don’t even want to know.
@Kate Richardson: Thank you for reminding me that bandom exists. I can resume wanting to die.
Meanwhile, losing your primary songwriter is a pretty savage gutting. I look forward to whatever Ryan produces in the future (I agree with Maura about Pretty. Odd–it’s held up astoundingly well since release) and hold fast to my belief that Brendan Urie is not that talented (knew him in high school and am naturally biased toward hate).
@BradNelson: wentz on the split:
hmm. hmmmmm.
@Maura: Fucking hell. I don’t need to hear that record again.
Any chance Jason Falkner and Tim Smith are available?
This is as tragic as that one time when the guy with the beard left Kula Shaker.