Foster the People drummer Mark Pontius has announced that he is leaving the band.

“I’ve struggled with finding the words to begin this announcement so I guess I’ll just rip off the band-aid and say that I’ve decided to leave the band I helped start 11 years ago, Foster the People,” Pontius said in a statement posted on the band’s social media accounts.

He added, “As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of our first record Torches, I’ve been flooded with memories of our sudden success, achieving all of my career aspirations in a few short years and the beautiful moments spent with my brothers in the band. What a privilege it all was, I’m eternally grateful for all of it.”

Pontius told fans that he hopes to spend his time watching his two-year-old daughter grow up now that he has “checked everything off my career bucket list.”

The drummer said he has got a few ideas for the future but did not reveal them.

He leaves Foster the People at a time the band is celebrating the 10th anniversary of their debut album, Torches.

(Photo: Neil Krug)

Music News Service distributed by Frankly Media. Copyright(c) 2021 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved