"I left at the end of last year, after the new record was complete. There was no acute reason beyond that I’ve changed."
Will Butler has announced his departure from Arcade Fire.
The musician has ended his 18-year tenure with the band, which features his brother Win, his brother's wife Regine Chassagne, Richard Reed Parry, Tim Kingsbury and Jeremy Gara.
In a series of tweets, Butler explained he left the band following the completion of their forthcoming LP, We.
"Hi friends - I’ve left Arcade Fire ... I left at the end of last year, after the new record was complete. There was no acute reason beyond that I’ve changed—and the band has changed—over the last almost 20 years. Time for new things.
"I’m working on a new record; booking some shows this summer. I’m working on music for a David Adjmi play (which is so good). A few other projects percolating.
"Thank you to anyone who’s come out to AF shows, or bought a record, or loves our music. It’s meaningful to be part of your lives. Thank you to the crew, staff, management, label people, bands, artists, and friends who have helped bring our vision to life for so many years."
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Arcade Fire's forthcoming record We is set for release on May 6.