Chris Walla, a longtime guitarist of Death Cab For Cutie, is leaving the band. The official band’s website says he will depart after the band’s performance at the Rifflandia Festival in Victoria, British Columbia on September 13.

Band’s official statement about Chris’ departure is the following: “We’ve had an incredible 17 years of making music with Chris. We are very proud of what we’ve 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“.

In its turn, Chris Walla was sentimental saying: “I will miss being a quarter of this band, and will support whatever course Death Cab for Cutie chooses from here,” he wrote. “I am profoundly grateful to Ben, Nick, and Jason, for the experiences that define my adult life. Truly grateful, beyond words. Thank you.”

I am also grateful to, and deeply humbled by, all of our fans. Without you, music would be mere ‘content’ and nothing could possibly be sadder than that. Thank you all, so dearly.”

“Deciding to leave the band was not, and is not, easy,” he says. “It’s really, really sad. I love my bandmates, 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.”

Rolling Stone describes Chris Walla as one who played an integral role in shaping the band’s emotive and powerful sound, producing their first seven studio albums (including their most recent, 2011’s Codes and Keys) and contributing a variety of instruments, including guitar and keyboards.

Death Cab’s forthcoming eighth studio album is the first release to feature on outside producer, recorded in Los Angeles with Rich Costey (Interpol, Muse, Franz Ferdinand), and set for release in early 2015.

Death Cab For Cutie Upcoming Tour Dates (w\Chris Walla):
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08\15: Dallas, TX – KXT’s Summer Cut
08\16: Omaha, NE – Maha Music Festival
08\30: Calgary, Alberta – X-Fest
08\31: Edmonton, Alberta – Sonic Boom Festival
09\05: Chicago, IL – The Hideout Block Party & Onion AV Fest
09\07: Toronto, Ontario – Riot Fest
09\13: Victoria, British Columbia – Rifflandia Music Festival