J Tillman has quit Fleet Foxes. The Seattle folkies' drummer is leaving the group to puruse his solo career, bidding farewell to "the best and last band that would ever have me".
Tillman made the announcement on his blog without fanfare. Fleet Foxes have yet to respond to the news. "Back into the gaping maw of obscurity I go," Tillman wrote. "Tokyo is my last show with the Foxes. Sorry if I was distant and obtuse if we ever met." The band is due to play Tokyo's Studio Coast on Friday.
Tillman joined Fleet Foxes in 2008, shortly after recording their debut album. By that time, the singer-songwriter had already released four solo albums and one EP. Despite Fleet Foxes' busy touring schedule, Tillman has continued to make his own music, releasing one LP in 2010 and two in 2009, including Vacilando Territory Blues, which reached No 191 in the UK charts.
Fleet Foxes' Tokyo concert is the last date on their world tour for Helplessness Blues, released in May 2011. While frontman Robin Pecknold has yet to reveal the group's future plans, two of the band's members have announced a side project. Poor Moon, founded by Christian Wargo and Casey Wescott, have signed to Sub Pop. Their debut EP is due on 27 March.
Fleet Foxes' first two albums reached No 3 and No 2 in the UK.
