The Preatures guitarist and occasional vocalist Gideon Bensen has announced his departure from the Sydney rock outfit. Bensen recently launched his solo career with a new label, debut EP, and East Coast tour.
Remaining members Thomas Champion, Luke Davison, Isabella Manfredi, and Jack Moffitt have issued a statement addressing Bensen’s departure via their official Facebook page, insisting the split is amicable and wishing their former bandmate the best.
“It’s sad for us to announce today that Gideon is leaving the band,” the statement reads. “It wasn’t an easy decision, but he has our love and full support to pursue his solo work and this exciting new chapter in his life.”
“A band is a weird and magic family, and he leaves as our brother and our friend. We’ve been through so much together. Thank you to our friends and families for the support and bad jokes that’ve made us what we are.”
“The band isn’t slowing down, we’ve been busy recording album two and we can’t wait to share it with you.” Bensen, meanwhile, has released his own statement calling his time with The Preatures “an honour and a privilege”.
“I feel a wealth of emotions as I write this,” Bensen wrote in his statement. “The past years have been some of the best of my life and I will be eternally grateful for all that I have learnt and experienced being in The Preatures.”
“It’s been an honour and a privilege to be part of such an amazing band, playing alongside Iz, Jack, Tom and Luke. To you guys – The Fans, night after night, I have enjoyed so much playing and singing for you all!”
“The band shows no signs of slowing down… and for me this is not the end of my music making career, just a new beginning. See you all at a show.” Bensen contributed to several songs on the band’s debut LP, Blue Planet Eyes.
It’s sad for us to announce today that Gideon is leaving the band. It wasn’t an easy decision, but he has our love and…
Posted by The Preatures onFriday, March 18, 2016
