Seemingly out of the blue, Tony Wright (aka VerseChorusVerse) has left And So I Watch You From Afar. No details yet, but a statement from the band:

It’s been an honor and a privilege to share the road, studio, stage and world with Tony for the last five years. He’s been part of the ASIWYFA family from the start, and he always will be.

We’re excited, proud and in full support of Tony as he embarks on his new adventure.

In the words of Richard Bach,

“Don’t be dismayed at goodbyes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or a lifetime, is certain for those who are friends.”

Give ‘em hell Tony!

Wright himself had this to say:

“It is with a heavy heart and leaden feet I announce my decision to leave And So I Watch You From Afar. The past few years have been an unbelievable ride and I’ll always remember them with rose tinted spectacles as the incredible times, in the full thrust of reality, they were. Johnny, Rory and Chris as well as the amazing crew that we had around us will continue on the path we forged together, however the time has come for one reason and many others for me to take a different, less trodden road but one with the same ultimate destination, fulfilment. I wish them all the success in the world and I know they will receive it as they are amongst the most driven, talented people I’ve had the fortune to work, travel, create, learn and grow with.

I will continue to make music as that is something that coarses through me as familiarly as the blood that pumps to my heart.

Finally, but most certainly not least, I wish to thank all the incredible people I have met on this journey and the people who were into our music. You will remain forever with me in my mind, heart, and soul. Thank you infinitely for the times you gave me. I know one day we will all cross paths again and I hope so much you will support me in this agonising decision. Once more into the breach…”

Niall Kennedy (formerly of Panama Kings) will join the band for upcoming tours.