Following Machine Head bandleader Rob Flynn’s statement Friday revealing the imminent departure of half the band, the group’s longtime guitarist Phil Demmel has issued a statement on Instagram explaining why he will be moving on. While Flynn openly took responsibility for his own behavior that he believes compelled Demmel and drummer Dave McClain to leave Machine Head, the guitarist claimed that the split was no one’s fault in particular, and expressed his desire to pursue a new creative path.
“I’m honored to have been given the opportunity to be in this band and I’m proud of my contributions over that time,” Demmel wrote. “It’s simply time for me to step away and do something else musically. People naturally grow apart over time and it’s no one’s fault. It’s amazing and we’re so fortunate to have been able to it for so long.” He then commented on the upcoming Machine Head tour, set to kick off October 4th: “This last run will give us an opportunity to say goodbye as a group and have a sense of closure to an incredible run.” Read the full statement below.