Status Quo has announced that their drummer for the last twelve years, Matt Letley, has left the group.
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In a statement on their website, they explained:
Status Quo regret to announce that Matt Letley, their drummer of more than 12 years, has decided to leave the band. Matt’s last show will be on Wednesday 19th December at the O2 Arena in London.
Matt said, “It’s been a fantastic journey over the past twelve years or so but I have decided that now is the right time for me to leave Quo and move on to something new.
No doubt there will be much conjecture that this is somehow related to the upcoming reunion gigs but I’d like to assure everyone that it has no bearing on my decision. Indeed I wish the guys every success with this tour and certainly hope to come along to see one of the shows!
I should like to take this opportunity to thank the guys in the band, our fantastic crew, Simon and the girls in the office for their friendship and professionalism. Most of all I thank the fans without whom I should not have had the chance to play with one of the best rock and roll bands in the world.”
Status Quo manager Simon Porter said, “The band would like to thank Matt for a dozen years of loyal service. He’s a true pro and it’s been a pleasure to work with him. We’re delighted that his last hurrah with the band will be at such a prestigious London show and we wish him all the best for the future.”Status Quo has announced that their drummer for the last twelve years, Matt Letley, has left the group.
Letley was the fourth drummer to play for Status Quo over their fifty years. The founding drummer, John Coghlan, was involved from 1962, when they were still the Spectres, through to 1981 when Pete Kircher took over the set. Jeff Rich played from 1985 to 2000 followed by Letley’s tenure.
A huge group in Europe, Status Quo only charted two songs in the U.S., Pictures of Matchstick Men (1968/#12) and Ice Melts in the Sun (1968/#70).
