A British punk rock band has announced two of its members are stepping down.
Formed in 2013 in Hastings, Kid Kapichi began when Jack Wilson and Ben Beetham began writing music together.
They were soon joined by their schoolmates Eddie Lewis and George MacDonald.
Their first major release – the self-titled EP Kid Kapichi – dropped in 2017.
In the years since they’ve released two more EPs, with their debut album This Time Next Year coming in 2021.
That was followed by Here’s What You Could Have Won in 2022 and There Goes the Neighborhood last year.
The band have also performed at the Reading and Leeds Festivals and have supported Nothing but Thieves and Liam Gallagher.
However, this week they announced guitarist Ben and drummer George were leaving the band.
In a statement posted to Instagram, they shared: ‘After dedicating the last decade of their lives to Kid Kapichi, Ben and George have taken the difficult decision to step down from the band.
‘We’ve experienced all the highs and lows of being in this project together, and nothing can take away from all the victories we’ve shared. But the time felt right for them to go on and explore pastures new. We wholeheartedly wish them the best and our friendship will remain strong going into this new chapter.
‘However, this is far from the end. Jack and Eddie enter into a new phase of Kapichi with fresh energy, ideas and attitude. More on this coming soon.’
Ben and George went on to share their own message to fans.
‘It’s with a heavy heart that we make an announcement of parting ways from Kapichi: a band, a family, a brotherhood which has been at the centre of our lives for the last 12 years,’ they began.
‘The truth is if you treat a band with the energy and focus it requires it doesn’t leave much room for other things; and that means when you venture into fresh ground and give your all to something new, you owe it to the project to let it carry on without you rather than dilute yourself and give it less than it deserves.
‘The 4 of us have shared this band for a long time, but beyond that we share a friendship, a history, a community and so much more that carries on even though our time in the band is ending.’
They went on to explain how it now felt ‘like a perfect end to this arc that we can share one more musical exploration together and celebrate once more in the place it all started’.
The band then announced one last show with original line-up, which will be held at the De La Warr Pavillion at Bexhill-On-Sea on July 12.
Wrapping up their message, the two leaving the band added: ‘Thanks from the bottom of our hearts to every fan, friend and family member who has supported us throughout this journey. It’s been the wildest of rides. And thanks to Jack and Eddie for accepting this decision with open arms.’
The band were quickly flooded with messages of support from fans.
‘I can’t lie, I’m gutted to hear that Ben and George will be leaving, but I’m super excited to see what the future holds for all of you! Best of luck lads,’ Lottie commented.
‘Endings and new beginnings, the fruitful cycle of life. Love you boys, a very special crew. Best of luck in all the new ventures,’ Gareth shared.
‘Ahhh no, you guys were one of the first bands we ever went to watch and were amazing, good luck all of you with the future,’ The Entitled Sons added.
When sharing the post, remaining members Jack and Eddie said this was ‘not the end’ for the band.
‘We welcome this new era with arms akimbo as we move forward into these new and exciting times with a renewed sense of enthusiasm and passion’ they explained.
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