BRIT rock band Kid Kapichi have SPLIT as fans knew them – after guitarist Ben Beetham and drummer George Macdonald sensationally quit the group.
The Hastings-based band have been rocked by the double departure, which has left their loyal fanbase devastated.
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Ben and George had been with the band for over a decade, helping shape its sound and rise through the UK rock scene.
But in a shock joint announcement posted to Instagram, they revealed they’re stepping away for good.
They wrote: “It’s with a heavy heart that we make an announcement of parting ways from Kapichi: a band, a family, a brotherhood which has been at the centre of our lives for the last 12 years.
“The truth is if you treat a band with the energy and focus it requires it doesn’t leave much room for other things; and that means when you venture into fresh ground and give your all to something new, you owe it to the project to let it carry on without you rather than dilute yourself and give it less than it deserves.
“The 4 of us have shared this band for a long time, but beyond that we share a friendship, a history, a community and so much more that carries on even though our time in the band is ending.”
Frontman Jack Wilson and bassist Eddie Lewis have vowed to carry on – but confirmed the band as fans knew it has come to an end.
In a separate statement, they said: “After dedicating the last decade of their lives to Kid Kapichi, Ben and George have taken the difficult decision to step down from the band.
“We’ve experienced all the highs and lows of being in this project together, and nothing can take away from all the victories we’ve shared.
“But the time felt right for them to go on and explore pastures new. We wholeheartedly wish them the best and our friendship will remain strong going into this new chapter.
“However, this is far from the end. Jack and Eddie enter into a new phase of Kapichi with fresh energy, ideas and attitude. More on this coming soon.”
They also assured fans: “This is not the end for Kid Kapichi. We welcome this new era with arms akimbo as we move forward into these new and exciting times with a renewed sense of enthusiasm and passion.”
Before the split is made official, the original four members will come together one final time for a farewell gig.
It is set to take place on 12th July at the 1,000-capacity De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill-on-Sea.
Ben and George added: “It feels like a perfect end to this arc that we can share one more musical exploration together and celebrate once more in the place it all started.
“To pay homage to the end of an era that we’ve shared; not to mention celebrating a new era of Kapichi which we hope holds all the success it possibly can.
“Thanks from the bottom of our hearts to every fan, friend and family member who has supported us throughout this journey. It’s been the wildest of rides. And thanks to Jack and Eddie for accepting this decision with open arms.”
The band’s most recent album There Goes The Neighbourhood dropped last year and featured the singles Let’s Get To Work, Tamagotchi, 999 and Zombie Nation – a collaboration with Madness Suggs.
Speaking to NME at the time, Jack said: “We know what we’re doing more this time round, but we’ve always been a band that has written about what’s going on in the world.
“I don’t feel like much has changed there. The topics you’ll find are pretty similar and I don’t think anyone who is a Kid Kapichi fan is going to be shocked by this new album.
“It’s like a continuation of the last album, but with a little bit more precision.”
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