(L-R) Paul Wilson, Jonny Quinn, Johnny McDaid and Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol perform in Los Angeles in 2019.Photo:Michael Tullberg/Getty
Michael Tullberg/Getty
The Northern Irish/Scottish rockers, best known for their 2006 Grammy-nominated hit “Chasing Cars,” announced on Friday that drummer Jonny Quinn and bassist Paul “Pablo” Wilson had “decided to leave” the group.
“We are heartbroken they have decided to leave us but we wish them nothing but happiness, success, joy, compassion and everything they want in all their future endeavors,” Lightbody wrote.
In afollow-up postthat specifically paid tribute to Quinn, 51, Lightbody heaped praise on the drummer, writing that he “has been a constant presence in our lives” since joining the band in 1997.
The day after Quinn’s departure was announced, Mariane shared the news with her own followers — and while she thanked Lightbody, 47, and Connolly, 42, she notably did not mention McDaid, 47, according to theBelfast Telegraph.
“I’m so incredibly proud of my husband and it’s with very mixed feelings Jonny is announcing his departure from the band,” she reportedly wrote on her private Instagram account. “So many amazing times, so many incredible people and experiences. I couldn’t have dreamt it. Sad the reason for leaving is not the best, but excited about what lies ahead.”
A rep for Snow Patrol did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
McDaid joined the group as a full-time member in 2011. He is thelongtime partnerofFriendsactressCourteney Cox.
After revealing news of Quinn and Wilson’s exits, Lightbody — who memorably duetted withTaylor Swifton her 2013 single “The Last Time” — shared individual posts dedicated to each musician that thanked them for their contributions to the group.
“To be continuing without [Quinn] after all this time is very strange and sad as he has been a constant presence in our lives,” the rocker wrote. “We hope everything he does in the future brings him and his family, wife Mariane and son Thor, countless joy, success and contentment. Loads of love to Jonny and his family.”
“He played every instrument so bass was maybe a little restrictive for his many talents but we are eternally grateful to him that he did, and did so epically,” hewrote. “Thank you for all the awesome times you’ve given us and shared with us Pabs. We love you and hope you and Andrea have a wonderful life together with everything you want in it and more. We can’t wait to hear your new music with @aboveasbelow777 and all that you do in the world.”
“What a wild ride. We’ve been through so much together, almost half of my life,” he wrote. “I would not change a thing— the ups, the downs and the laughter, so much laughter… It’s sad but it’s only the end of this chapter, excited for the future and the future of Snow Patrol.”
“This first post is purely to let you all know what’s happening. The next two posts will be dedicated to Jonny and Pablo separately as they deserve to each have a proper and individual send off.”
source: people.com
